Council approves increase of ethanol in gasoline from 30% to 32% The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) filed an injunction request this Wednesday (22) to suspend the government's decision that increases the mixture of ethanol in gasoline from 30% to 32%, scheduled to come into force on August 1st. ? The public civil action aims to prevent the adoption of E32, the name given to gasoline with 32% ethanol, until technical studies prove that the new mixture is safe for vehicles. The MPF also asks that the Union be ordered to pay R$500 million in collective damages. (understand more below) ? E32 was approved by the CNPE in June and is part of the government's policy to expand the use of biofuels and reduce dependence on imported gasoline. According to the MPF, the change was approved by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) "without due impact analysis and without scientifically demonstrating the viability of the measure for the national fleet". The document argues that the Union used studies carried out with the previous mixture, of 30% ethanol, to justify the increase, considering the tolerance margin of up to two percentage points foreseen in the tests. For the MPF, these tests aimed to "evaluate the performance and drivability of vehicles, considering the tolerance margin of that fuel's specification" and, therefore, were not carried out to validate the permanent adoption of the 32% ethanol mixture in gasoline. The action also claims that the tests used by the federal government did not present conclusions about: Durability; Emissions; Autonomy; Compatibility with the various technologies in the fleet; Behavior of the new mixture in continuous use. The E32 gasoline specification allows the fuel sold at stations to contain up to 34% ethanol. According to the MPF, this possibility has not undergone specific technical validation. The MPF also says that "there is evidence that the increase in ethanol in gasoline can cause corrosion in metal parts, premature wear of pumps and failures in electronic injection systems, especially in motorcycles, old vehicles and imported models." Compensation of R$500 million The MPF also argues that the decision did not adequately consider the possible environmental impacts of the measure and requests compensation of R$500 million for collective damages. According to the agency, there is a lack of studies that evaluate the effects of accelerated wear on vehicle components. The argument is that, although ethanol emits fewer pollutants, more frequent replacement of parts could increase the disposal of rubber, metal and plastic. In addition to suspending the increase in ethanol blends, the MPF asks the Court to determine that an independent technical expertise be carried out to assess the risks to engines and the environment. The action also requests the adoption of more rigorous protocols for future changes in the composition of fuels. "The Brazilian State cannot impose on the community the use of fuel with a different composition without demonstrating, in a clear, objective and technically consistent manner, that the measure was preceded by sufficiently comprehensive studies", says Public Prosecutor Cleber Eustáquio Neves, author of the action. Understand the government's decision The National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) decided on July 14 to increase the mixture of anhydrous ethanol in gasoline, from 30% to 32%. The measure is initially valid for 180 days, but can be extended once for the same period. The decision, according to the CNPE, takes into account the volatility in the oil and fuels market. "In this context, the use of a greater portion of ethanol produced in the country seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and enable a greater presence of this biofuel in the Brazilian energy matrix", explained the council, in a note. Oil prices rose and reached the highest level in around four weeks, after tension between the United States and Iran increased again. The market fears that the conflict will harm oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's main energy routes. Why is oil rising? The main reason is the fear of interruptions in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Before the conflict, around 20% of all oil and liquefied natural gas sold in the world passed through this route. In recent days, the region has once again recorded episodes that have increased investor concern. Measure was being studied The measure to increase the volume of ethanol in gasoline had been discussed by members of the government in recent months. Experts, however, assess that the measure could increase the risk of wear in older engines or those without specific calibration for this mixture. ? Click here to follow the g1 Carros channel on WhatsApp The National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) had already advocated carrying out more studies before implementing the measure. (see below) According to engineers, one of the main challenges is the compatibility of materials, especially in imported or older vehicles, designed to run only on gasoline and developed for lower ethanol levels. The CNPE also refuted that the mixture could cause damage to cars. "During the tests, aspects such as performance, drivability, cold start, fuel consumption and emissions were analyzed, both in a laboratory environment and in real conditions of use. According to the results, the use of E32 showed behavior equivalent to that observed with mixtures with a lower ethanol content, without relevant impacts on the operation of vehicles, including those equipped with non-flex engines", added a note from the collegiate, made up of ministers and civil society. The Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Union (Unica) also says that the sector has the capacity to up to