Study says Minnesota drivers saved $24.7 million with E15 in 2024

The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association calculated that Minnesota drivers saved $24.7 million in 2024 by choosing E15. The fuel is often marketed at the pump as Unleaded 88.

The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association’s study, Cumulative Effects of E15 Sales to Minnesota Consumers, reviewed more than a decade of fuel price and consumption data and found $79.5 million in cumulative savings to Minnesota consumers since 2013. Brian Werner, the association’s executive director, said E15 costs less to produce than traditional gasoline and that the blend beat E10 prices from 2013 through 2024.

Eight states, including Minnesota, petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in April 2022 for a permanent waiver to sell E15 year-round. The EPA finalized that waiver in February 2024, effective April 28, 2025, extending year-round access in those states after years of seasonal restrictions and emergency waivers.

In May 2026, the U.S. House passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, to allow year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol nationwide. Refiners opposed the measure, arguing it would increase compliance costs.

Growth Energy estimates E15 can be used in 96% of light-duty cars on the road and can save consumers up to 30 cents per gallon. The Renewable Fuels Association puts average E15 savings versus E10 at more than 25 cents per gallon since 2022, and U.S. E15 sales at a record 1.24 billion gallons in 2024, up 11% from 2023.

Minnesota has 551 stations offering Unleaded 88, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture opened a $4.7 million AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure grant round in 2026 to help retailers upgrade equipment for higher ethanol blends. The Minnesota Corn Growers Association put consumer savings in the state at more than $19 million in 2025 by choosing Unleaded 88.