4 weeks ago
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to issue relevant guidelines imposing a limit on sulfur content in marine fuels.
In a circular published on Feb. 17, the DOE said it would prescribe the specifications for marine fuels after mandating that all fuel oil used on ships or their operations must have a 0.5 percent limit of sulfur.
This requirement has been in effect since the start of 2025, with all marine fuel sold nationwide required to comply with the newly established standards. It includes participants in the downstream oil industry.
To ensure further compliance, the DOE will also be tasked to do random quality sampling and testing of marine fuel in its facilities, while shipping companies are advised to document their fuel oil records.
This is part of the DOE’s mandate to implement a program or policy that would protect the environment, ensure conservation, and maintain the ecological balance; this includes accelerating the development of non-conventional energy systems.
Furthermore, the DOE has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry's Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), along with other fuel-related stakeholders to impose the new fuel composition in an attempt to boost efficiency and minimize carbon emissions.
According to the DOE, failure to meet the required product specifications and other forms of adulteration of petroleum fuel products, among other illicit activities, will be penalized.
This could include halting operations of businesses dealing with petroleum products that do not meet standards or prohibiting non-compliant ships from operating until they meet government requirements.
