Brazil raises biodiesel blending mandate to 12%

In Brazil, Reuters reports that contrary to expectations of 13%, the government has boosted the biodiesel blending mandate to 12% from the temporary cut to 10% forced by skyrocketing prices earlier this year. High soybean prices globally forced the ANP fuels agency to halt its regular biodiesel auction in late June due to high biodiesel prices. The oilseeds industry associate Abiove said the industry could produce enough biodiesel for a 13% mandate but was sufficiently satisfied with the increase to 12% that will allow for plants to boost crushing again.