To successfully make the transition from fossil fuels to biofuels, it is necessary to achieve a similar or better quality product (chemical and physical characteristics) for at least the same price. This shift toward biofuels will take place if petroleum prices increase so much that the prices of petroleum-derived fuels become greater than those of biofuels. Unfortunately, the eco-friendly characteristics of biofuels (renewable sources and less pol­luting gas emissions) are not sufficient to lead the transition if no economic benefit is generated.

If we examine gasoline prices since 1997, the strong price increase becomes clear (Figure 7.1). It is accepted that prices of petroleum-based fuels will keep increasing, a situa­tion that forces humankind to search for new sources of energy.