The German government has reduced the biofuel blend target for 2009 to 5.25%, down from its initial 6.25%, according to the  Environment Ministry (BMU, Bundesministerium fur Umwelt). The 2010 target will be back up to 6.25% and remain fixed at that  level until 2014.

The quotas will be reviewed in 2011, with a particular focus on the sustainability of biofuels, the BMU said. The government  is now also allowing biomethane to be included under the quote, if its production process yields a favorable environmental  balance. Germany is also reducing the planned tax increase on biodiesel by € 0.03, to € 0.18 per liter, instead of € 0.21 per  liter, beginning in January 2009.