Brazilian hydrous ethanol sales fell nearly 17% in March due to high prices

In Brazil, Platts reports that hydrous ethanol sales in March fell by nearly 17% to 1.48 billion liters as high prices cut demand. Hydrous ethanol prices rose to record highs before the sugarcane crush ramped up to add additional supplies which in turn pushed the ethanol parity with gasoline to 71.63%. Drivers typically opt for ethanol when parity is below 70% due to ethanol’s lower energy content. Sales in the northeast region where hydrous ethanol consumption is typically lower due to lack of supplies saw consumption increase, contrary to the other regions that saw sales fall.