Jatropha fuels country’s hope for cheaper bio-diesel

Just like many other countries of the world, the Philippines has always been dependent on imported fossil oil for its fuel requirements. Aside from draining the country’s financial resources, there is no saying when the fossil fuel deposits will be depleted. There is no knowing whether the Arab countries will be able to supply fuel to the whole world eternally.

It is, therefore, imperative, for the country to look for alternative sources of renewable fuel. Fortunately, the Philippines is abundantly rich in plants which are sources of fuel.

One of these, is jatropha or what is popularly known as tuba tuba which abounds on the tropical regions and which has been used as a source of oil for lighting purposes in the homes before the second World War.

The plant grows to about 10 to 15 feet tall, full of branches and leaves within the period of three years. Of the four varieties of Jatropha namely jatropha curcas, jatropha glanduflifera, jatropha gossypifilia and jatropha pattanica, a friend from India said that jatropha curcas is the variety that gives high yield of jathropha oil.

PIA