Using molasses as feedstock can result in large fluctuations in
the biobutanol production cost and influence the viability of the
production process. For ethanol production molasses is already a
common feedstock, especially in tropical countries. However, there
is a constant risk of shortages due to high demands for this commodity
in both domestic and international markets, resulting in
large fluctuations in the molasses price. Another disadvantage is that molasses is a by-product of the sugar industry; hence its production
rates are strongly governed by sugar cane and sugar production
conditions [29]. It is therefore recommended that other
feedstocks, like sugar cane bagasse, be included in the biobutanol
production process to minimize the effect of the fluctuation in
molasses price.