South African oil refineries have estimated the cost of updating facilities as 'billions' after calls to move up from E2 to E5 biofuel. The country currently uses fuel that contains 2% ethanol made primarily from sugarcane and maize crops. While the upgrade has be estimated as reducing vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by around 40%, the government proposal is at the mercy of the industry which has to make the investments. 'It will cost R41 billion (€3.9 billion) to change our refineries to refine to the level of E5,' said transport ministry special adviser on climate change Thamsanga Mohlomi to an environmental affairs portfolio committee.
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