Sales of hydrated ethanol from the plants in the Center-South of Brazil increased by 42.69% in the first 15 days of September compared to the same period in 2017. From year to year the volume increased from 674.42 million to 962, 32 million liters, according to data released by the Sugar Cane Industry Union (Unica). In the case of anhydrous ethanol, the volume reached 353.68 million liters in the first 15 days of the month. Compared to the second half of August, volumes were lower, attributable to the lower number of business days in the period. For the Single, the figures for the first half of this month reflect the “enormous competitiveness” of ethanol versus gasoline. From April to September 15th, ethanol sales totaled 13.58 billion liters, with 775 million exported and 12.80 billion domestically. The volume is 18.08% compared to the same period of the previous crop, according to the Sugar Cane Industry Union. The greater ethanol commercialization by the mills was recorded amid a scenario of price recovery. At least that is what shows the indicator of the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), based on the business conducted in the State of São Paulo. Between September 17th and 21st, the benchmark for hydrated fuel rose 1.25% from the previous week’s average. The reference value reached R $ 1.6848 per liter. The anhydrous was stable in the same comparison (+ 0.1%), with a weekly average of R $ 1.8335 per liter. According to the Cepea researchers, support for prices came from the output of some mills in the market. Rains in some regions of the state caused occasional stoppages in activities. In addition, the need for tank release was lower, interfering with the pace of business and also helping to maintain fuel prices.
Src.: Revista Globo Rural