Congress discusses bills that allow the sale of ethanol-free gasoline at gas stations

The National Congress is discussing three proposals that could lead to ethanol-free gasoline at Brazilian pumps. The texts, two in the Chamber and one in the Senate, want to authorize or make mandatory the offer of pure gasoline (E0) or with low ethanol content (E10), in response to the increase in the mandatory blend to 32% (E32), in force since August 1 – with plans to increase alcohol to 35% (E35) in the blend.

The objective is to protect vehicles that were not designed for high concentrations of ethanol, such as collector cars and models prior to flex technology, launched in the country in 2003. The measure can serve more than 30 million vehicles.

The Brazilian Federation of Old Vehicles (FBVA) warns of possible damage to veteran cars – a concern that also reached the Federal Public Ministry (MPF).

Proposal in the Chamber provides for mandatory

supply The strictest initiative is PL 4.783/2026, by federal deputy Fernando Máximo (PL-RO). The bill amends Law 8.723/1993 to ensure the sale of gasoline completely free of anhydrous ethanol.

According to the current wording, the supply would be mandatory for vehicles of historical interest and non-flex cars manufactured until 2003. The text is awaiting dispatch from the president of the Chamber, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB).

In the justification, which cites information from FBVA, the deputy argues that ethanol is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture from the air. In old vehicles, the accumulation of water can cause oxidation of metal tanks and accelerate the corrosion of components such as pumps, needles and spark plugs.

According to the text, first-generation carburetors and electronic injection systems can also suffer wear, and old gaskets, hoses and rubber linings may not withstand the higher concentration of alcohol.

Another effect pointed out is the increase in consumption: as ethanol has a lower calorific value than gasoline, a greater volume of fuel is needed to travel the same distance.

Senate analyzes optional

offer In the Senate, the proposal was born as a legislative idea on the e-Citizenship portal. With 24.1 thousand supports, it went through the process of Legislative Suggestion 30/2026, under the rapporteurship of Senator Laércio Oliveira (PP-SE).

The text suggests the optional offer of E10 gasoline, with 10% ethanol, and E0, without ethanol, taking as a reference the United States, where E0, E10 and E15 coexist at the stations. The suggestion also cites low-displacement motorcycles, agricultural machinery and boat engines among the equipment harmed by the lack of alternatives.

Complementary Bill 249/2026, by Deputy Messias Donato (União-ES), proposes a regionalized solution. The text allows states and the Federal District to authorize the optional sale of E0 and E10 gasoline, on the grounds that the average age of the fleet varies between regions. In this model, the adhesion of stations would be optional.

Even with approval, gasoline without ethanol would not reach the pumps immediately. It would be necessary to define quality rules and adapt transportation and storage to avoid accidental mixing between products. The price can also rise: despite the higher yield per liter, the withdrawal of ethanol and additional logistics costs tend to make the fuel more expensive.