State-owned gas and oil giant Pertamina plans to launch its maiden bioethanol product with the research octane number (RON) 95 dubbed Pertamax Green 95 in July 2023. Irto Ginting, Corporate Secretary of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga which is the gas firm’s subsidiary, stated that the non-subsidized biofuel will be sold at competitive prices.

Surabaya will be the first location for the sale of biofuel, but it will only be available at 10 gas stations. The region is chosen as it is close to the ethanol factory located in Mojokerto.

Here are facts about Pertamax Green 95:

1. Ingredients of Pertamax Green 95

This biofuel contains a blend of 92-octane Pertamax and 5-percent ethanol, made of fermented molasses.

2. Benefits of Pertamax Green 95

It is claimed to have various benefits. One of them is being able to reduce emissions produced by motorized vehicles. Thus, the fuel is more environmentally friendly for everyday use.

3. Price of Pertamax Green 95

The price is expected to follow the price range of RON 95 fuel, such as Shell V-Power at Rp13,400 per liter and BP Ultimate at Rp13,400 per liter. It is of course subject to change following market prices.

4. Bioethanol is hygroscopic

Bioethanol has hygroscopic properties or highly absorbs water, so some components of motorized vehicles need to be adjusted so as not to cause serious problems, such as accelerating rust in vehicle components.

5. A trial run for the use of Pertamax Green 95 is necessary

Pertamina's Pertamax Green 95 needs to be tested on various motor vehicle products in Indonesia. This type of biofuel has previously been used successfully in Brazil. At least, there are references to the fuel use and motorized vehicles supported by bioethanol fuel have no issues.