European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium June 17, 2022.
In June 2024, Ukraine’s parliament approved legislation mandating the inclusion of renewable bioethanol in fuel. This move brings the country’s energy policies closer to European Union guidelines. The law reflects Ukraine’s commitment to adopting greener fuel options despite ongoing challenges.
Enkorr reported that Orlen Lietuva, based in Lithuania, will ship the first batch of bioethanol-blended petrol to Ukraine on April 14, 2025. This fuel will contain approximately 4.8% bioethanol, fitting within the 5% or E5 category. Other refineries, including Orlen’s facility in Gdansk, Poland, and OMV Petrom in Romania, are also preparing to send supplies starting mid-April.
Producing E5 fuel presents challenges for European refineries, which typically focus on E10 blends containing 10% bioethanol. Enkorr noted: “The main problem is that E5 petrol is not standard for European producers. To produce E5, refineries need to set up separate production facilities. As it turned out, not all plants are ready for this at the moment.” This adjustment requires additional effort and resources from suppliers.
Ukraine’s domestic fuel production remains limited, with exact figures undisclosed. The country’s facilities have faced repeated disruptions due to attacks from Russian missiles and drones. As a result, Ukraine relies heavily on imports to meet its needs. Analysts estimate that the country brought in around 1.2 million tons of petrol in 2024 to support domestic consumption.
This shift to bioethanol-blended fuel highlights Ukraine’s efforts to balance energy demands with sustainability goals. While imports play a key role, the collaboration with European refineries like Orlen Lietuva and OMV Petrom ensures a steady supply. The transition to E5 fuel marks a practical step toward meeting EU standards, even as production adjustments continue across the region.
