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Biofuels · Energy Policy · Ethanol · Food Prices
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) temporarily approved widespread sales of E15, a higher-ethanol gas blend, on March 25, 2026, aiming to mitigate soaring gas prices, which climbed nearly 50% in Baton Rouge, but this action increases food costs.
This move follows bipartisan calls for approval to lower pump prices, a measure taken by past administrations. E15 sales are typically restricted during summer months due to concerns about harmful air pollution.
While the EPA intends to lower gas prices, University of Minnesota professor Jason Hill states the impact on fuel costs is minimal, amounting to only a few cents. Hill emphasizes that diverting corn to ethanol production directly reduces corn available for food, leading to higher grocery prices.
He also suggests the timing aligns with planting season, serving as a signal of goodwill to farmers to encourage corn planting despite rising input costs like fertilizer and diesel. GasBuddy reported average gasoline prices in Baton Rouge at $3.52 on Monday, marking a nearly 50% increase from the previous month and a $1.12 climb in four weeks.
