This would help reduce carbon emissions from petrol
vehicles, helping the UK meet its climate change
targets.
Transport Minister said:
This government is ambitiously seeking to reduce the
UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and cut carbon
emissions from transport. But drivers of older
vehicles should not be hit hard in the pocket as a
result.
We have launched this consultation in order to
understand the impact of E10 on the UK market better,
and to ensure that drivers are protected if any
changes come into effect.
The changes to the Renewable
Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) announced
earlier this year require transport fuel suppliers to
increase the amount of renewable fuel supplied across
the UK up to 2032.
To meet these new targets, fuel suppliers could choose
to increase the percentage of bioethanol in petrol
beyond the current 5% (E5) up to a limit of 10% (E10).
Filling up with E10 fuel reduces the greenhouse gas
emissions of a petrol vehicle by around 2%. However,
according to industry figures, there could be around
one million cars within the UK that are unsuitable for
use with E10.
The consultation also includes proposals on introducing
new fuel labels at filling stations and on new vehicles
to help motorists select the right the fuel.
The government consultation will seek views on:
- whether and how to introduce E10 petrol in the UK
- the reintroduction of an E5 protection grade to
ensure standard petrol remains available at an
affordable price
- the introduction of new fuel labelling at petrol
pumps and on new cars
Decarbonising petrol is increasingly important as the
government moves towards the zero emissions future set
out in the Road to Zero
strategy earlier this month.
The 8 week
consultation closes on Sunday 16 September
2018.
