Ecuadorian gasoline and biofuels support over 200,000 jobs

The production and commercialization of Ecopaís gasoline and biofuels in Ecuador are directly and indirectly generating 208,833 jobs, Petroecuador reported on August 20, 2026. This significant employment figure highlights the vital role of the biofuel sector in the national economy.

The entire production chain spans 12 provinces and integrates agricultural and industrial activities, with a strong focus on sugarcane cultivation and the subsequent production of ethanol. Petroecuador, the state-owned oil company, has been a key player in this process, supplying the country with 333 million gallons of Ecopaís between January and July of 2026. A substantial portion of this fuel, 33.6 million liters, consisted of anhydrous ethanol produced domestically.

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The company seeks for Ecuadorian producers to continue consolidating themselves as strategic actors of national energy development and that the activity generates greater opportunities for communities.

The process begins in the agricultural sector, where sugarcane is harvested for bioethanol production. This renewable component is then blended into Ecopaís gasoline. The chain involves a diverse range of participants, including farmers, artisanal producers, distilleries, and the sugar industry. Petroecuador procures the anhydrous ethanol from national producers based on market demand, fostering rural economies and strengthening the position of Ecuadorian producers as strategic partners in the nation's energy development.

Beyond ethanol, the byproduct of sugarcane processing, known as bagasse, is utilized as biomass to generate energy for industrial operations. In some instances, surplus energy from this process is fed into the national power grid. Gustavo Heinert, executive director of the Ecuadorian Biofuels Association (APALE), emphasized that this integrated approach maximizes resource utilization, promotes renewable energy generation, and minimizes waste. The use of bioethanol in Ecopaís not only connects fuel policy with agricultural output but also contributes to reducing emissions and diversifying Ecuador's energy matrix, bolstering national energy security.

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This allows for the integral use of the resources of the productive process, the generation of renewable energy and the reduction of waste.