he UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) welcomes
today’s announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) that
they are consulting on proposals to introduce petrol blended with
10% bioethanol, otherwise known as E10, as a recognition of the
significant role that low-carbon liquid hydrocarbon fuels can
play in combating carbon emissions. Nonetheless, the downstream
oil sector also urges the UK Government to ensure that its
introduction occurs in a pragmatic and consumer-focused way.
UKPIA Director-General Stephen Marcos Jones, said,
“Introducing E10 into the UK has been under discussion for a
long time, and it is a welcome development that the government
are now consulting with industry on how best to implement this
evolution to the fuel landscape. Low-carbon liquid fuels,
including E10 and advanced biofuels, are critical in our
efforts to reduce carbon emissions from road transport in a way
that can be introduced relatively easily to the forecourt.
Reducing the carbon intensity of fuels, distributed directly to
the consumer via existing downstream infrastructure, offers a
flexible and accessible alternative to other transport
technologies.
“It is imperative, however, that these changes are
introduced carefully in a way that does not create unintended
consequences for retailers and consumers. In particular, the
government must ensure that the introduction of E10
infrastructure at filling stations remains a commercial matter
for site operators, and that suitable provision is made for
remote and rural communities, in order to ensure that consumer
supply and resilience is maintained.
“UKPIA looks forward to responding to the consultation on
behalf of its members and continuing our constructive engagement
with DfT and other stakeholders in the months ahead.”
