[ad_1]
The STT presented such a conclusion to Seimas, after evaluating the amendments of some parliamentarians, who propose not to consider fuel made from olive palm oil, its by-products or residues as biofuel.
“ A total ban on the use of certain raw materials in biofuel production would lead to situations that would limit the ability of biofuel companies that produce individual raw materials to compete in the market, even if (…) they own (… .) certificates valid in the European Union and their raw materials used meet all the sustainability requirements established in Lithuania, thus creating exceptional operating conditions for companies that use other raw materials for the production of biofuels ”, concludes the STT.
The Seimas began considering amendments in May this year, proposing to restrict the use of palm oil in biofuel production, replacing it with rapeseed or sunflower oil.
At the time, some Seimas members suspected that the interests of local biofuel feedstock producers and importing entrepreneurs crossed here, and predicted that such an amendment would redistribute the market for the biofuel trade. The ban on the use of palm oil in fuel is supported by only two gas stations, Viada and Baltic Petroleum.
Neste Lietuva, who has the largest network of 70 self-service stations in Lithuania, says the ban will limit the supply of advanced biofuels, go against competition and make transport services and goods, especially food, more expensive. In addition, it would go against the free movement of goods.
Neste Lietuva also complains that the use of tropical vegetable oils is limited to the production of biofuels, although the main area of use of these raw materials is the food and cosmetic industry, hygiene products.
Updated Nov 17.
The Biofuels Association denies the allegations made by the STT and reports in a circulated report that the service’s findings contain incorrect allegations of corruption.
According to the report, the bill under review was approved by the Government and the Environment Ministry in the summer. Support was expressed by 14 Lithuanian organizations, which together represent more than a thousand members: non-governmental environmental movements, Lithuanian farmers and agricultural companies, local businesses. Support was also received from the international organization Greenpeace.
The use of palm oil is destroying tropical forests and more and more European countries have decided to limit the use of palm oil for biofuels following the Green Course. France and Norway have introduced restrictions for the first time, and Denmark, Italy and Germany are preparing to do so in the near future.
“We consider that the STT information that has appeared in the public space is biased and incorrect with respect to biofuel companies. The information released is based on arguments in favor of the Finnish state company Neste and the arguments of the Biofuels Association are ignored. We are fighting for a constructive dialogue, that is why we ask STT to allow us to present our position and clear up doubts, ”the report quotes Mindaugas Palijanskas, president of the Biofuels Association.
The Biofuels Association states that STT has provided information on biofuel production and trade, on the benefits of biofuel production in Lithuania for agriculture and the economy of the country as a whole. The association is also ready to discuss the situation in the biofuels market and share ideas about the possible contribution of biofuels to climate change and to ensure Lithuania’s energy independence.
[ad_2]
