Ethanol producers hopeful for rebound in E85 sales

Des Moines Register
By DAN PILLER • dpiller@dmreg.com • August 12, 2009

Ethanol producers who endured a hard winter and spring of low prices and high corn costs hope that more favorable prices for the 85 percent blend will boost fuel sales."We know sales of E85 were down anywhere from 15 to 30 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year, but the second quarter should be gangbusters," said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

"E85 is not going to be a game-changer."Only about 2 to 3 percent of the 270 million vehicles on U.S. roads have "flex-fuel" capability to use the 85 percent ethanol blend.

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