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Biofuels accounted for 2.14% of UK road fuel against a target for the year of 2.5 %. More biodiesel (86%) has been supplied than bioethanol (14%).

The market has been dominated by imports. The feedstock is known for nearly 90% of biofuels, while both feedstock and country of origin are known for 57%. The most widely reported feedstock was American soy (22%), for biodiesel and Brazilian sugarcane (79%) for bioethanol.

In the first month, 19% of biofuels met environmental standards, compared to a target for the year of 30%.

According to the report, greenhouse gas savings of 42% were achieved, but this figure excludes the emissions from indirect changes in land-use considered in the recent 'Gallagher Review'. The Agency has recommended that indirect effects are included in future sustainability reporting and is working with the Government to identify a way to do this.

RFA CEO Nick Goodall commented:
"The RFA is pleased to be able to make this first set of data available. We will continue to publish information as soon as we are able, and will be reporting company performance figures in our October quarterly report."

Asad Rehman, Friends of the Earth's biofuels campaigner said:
"The shocking admission that we are unable to identify the origin of nearly half the biofuels used in the UK means that the Government cannot assure the British people that the biofuels in their petrol tanks have not destroyed rainforests.

"That less than a fifth of the biofuels used fails to meet even minimal environmental standards adds further weight to Friends of the Earth's view that they are a phoney solution to climate change.

"The Government must put the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation on hold and vote against EU biofuels targets."

The data comes from monthly reports submitted by fuel suppliers to the RFA. The RFA performs checks on the data, which is also subject to an annual verification process by auditors. The RFA will publish a final, fully verified dataset at the end of year.