Brazilian fuel importers and distributors are applying for an exemption from the 20% import tax on anhydrous ethanol, given the low offer of the product in the country. According to the president of the Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers (Abicom), Sérgio Araújo, a letter has already been sent to the minister of Mines and Energy, Bento Albuquerque, and to the president of the Chamber, Arthur Lira. The entities explain that the exemption will reduce the cost of gasoline by around BRL 0.18 per liter, with favorable impacts for the final consumer. “We are giving an opportunity for reducing the price of gasoline,” said Araújo. The cut in costs could represent a reduction for the final consumer of around BRL 0.25 per liter of C gasoline at service stations, depending on the ICMS and logistical costs. The ethanol sector in Brazil suffers from persistent low levels due to the crop failure in the center-south.
Sources: Reuters/Notícias Agrícolas (*Translated by Ia Niani)