Core Insights - The U.S. government plans to finalize the 2026 biofuel blending mandate by early March, maintaining high growth targets while dropping a controversial punitive proposal against imported renewable fuels, aiming for compromise between oil refiners and agricultural/biofuel producers [1] Group 1: Biofuel Mandate - The total renewable fuel blending volume is set to increase, with 240.2 billion gallons for 2026 and 244.6 billion gallons for 2027, both higher than the 223.3 billion gallons in 2025 [1] - The target for biodiesel is set at 56.1 billion gallons, a significant increase from 33.5 billion gallons in 2025, reflecting the government's commitment to biofuel industry growth [1] - The EPA is considering adjusting the biodiesel target for 2026 to a range of 52 to 56 billion gallons, still significantly above current levels [1] Group 2: Industry Reactions - The oil industry, led by the American Petroleum Institute, strongly opposes the measures, warning that they will restrict market supply and increase fuel costs [1] - The biofuel industry is demanding that the EPA enforce 100% compensation for waived blending volumes from large refiners to ensure policy effectiveness, while the oil industry resists any compensation obligations [2] - Following the announcement, soybean oil prices surged approximately 3.5%, reaching a four-month high, and soybean futures rose by 1.3%, indicating a positive market reaction to the biofuel demand outlook [2]