Unleaded petrol in the UK contains up to 5% bioethanol, a grade known as E5. The Government has launched a proposal to make 10% ethanol (E10) the new standard.
The Government has stated that while it is ‘keen to harness the potential benefits of introducing E10, while also ensuring that motorists who still need to purchase standard E5 petrol can do so without having to pay for higher priced ‘Super’ grades (more expensive higher octane petrol).’
The proposal aims to do this by introducing a ‘protection grade’ that requires larger filling stations to continue to stock the standard Premium 95 petrol in an E5 grade (95 E5), should they decide to stock E10, thereby stopping prices from rising.
This issue here is that many rural and countryside communities do not have immediate access to ‘larger’ filling stations, and there is a degree of ambiguity as to what is meant by this.
This consultation seeks feedback on:
- Proposals to ensure a continued supply of traditional E5 petrol for those motorists who will need it and;
- A call for evidence on whether and how best to introduce E10 petrol and;
- Proposals to implement new fuel labelling as required by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive and;
- Plans to change the consumer message that must accompany the sale of E10.
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 16 September 2018.