In the past month, residents of Baxter, Iowa have driven the equivalent of more than two trips around the world on 15% ethanol fuel (E15).

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today reported that statistic since Baxter fuel retailer Kountry Korner began offering E15 as a registered fuel for 2001 and newer vehicles on March 8, 2013.

“Since offering E15 as a registered fuel, I’ve seen more and more use of the fuel every day,” stated Kountry Korner Owner Bryan DeJong. “E15 has brought in many new customers to my store who are in search of lower-cost, more homegrown fueling options. The consumer response to the fuel has been very positive and I anticipate our E15 sales to continue to grow in the coming weeks.”

“E15 has been priced at an average of almost 20 cents cheaper than regular gasoline and the response in Baxter has been quite positive,” said IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “Retailers around the state should take notice that there is a real demand for cleaner, more homegrown E15, and consumers wishing to have access to this less expensive option should ask their local fuel retailers to offer E15.”

IRFA notes that retailers interested in installing a blender pump to offer E15, E85, and other ethanol blends can apply for a grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

In case you are wondering – assuming 20 miles per gallon fuel economy and about 49,800 miles around the world twice – that’s approximately 2500 gallons of E15 for the little town of Baxter (pop. 1,093) in 30 days.