Is the bioethanol still as advantageous amidst the rise in fuel prices?

At the time of the surge in diesel or unleaded prices last year, many French people chose to install bioethanol conversion kits to reduce their fuel costs at the gas pump. At that time, this choice allowed for at least a 50% reduction in the cost of a full tank, while bioethanol was priced at 80 cents.

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The cost of installation by a specialized mechanic, which averaged between 800 and 1,200 euros, could be quickly recouped. After driving tens of thousands of kilometers, the bioethanol became profitable, even though its fuel consumption is 20% higher than that of gasoline.

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But since then, the situation has changed, and the price of bioethanol has also experienced a spectacular increase. So much so that in January of this year, the liter exceeded the €1.10 mark, representing an increase of over 40% in one year! While gasoline, which accounts for 25% of the composition of bioethanol, has not experienced such a significant increase, how can we explain this surge?

Elle est tout simplement due à l’envolée spectaculaire du prix des autres éléments qui servent à fabriquer le précieux carburant. Des matières premières agricoles comme le maïs ou le blé, jusqu’au gaz qui intervient dans la distillation, tous les coûts de fabrication ont drastiquement augmenté.

The actors in the sector are reassuring, stating that the crisis is over. They provide evidence that today, according to the latest figures published by the Ministry of Ecological Transition in early September, the price of a liter of bioethanol has dropped to an average of €1.02, largely due to the decrease in gas prices. A return to values below €1 is announced in the coming weeks. So even though barely over 20% of vehicles in circulation are eligible for the scheme, it could once again be popular.