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Ethanol
in petrol in the UK - update
These
news items come from the latest FBHVC newsletter.
See our information gateway to biofuel issues with our articles
and news items. More
Regular
newsletters are issued by the Federation of British Historic
Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) with updates of news and developments
on legislative matters, fuel news, MOT test changes and DVLA
local office changes. Their latest newsletter for can be seen
online. More
What
is the FBHVC?
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is
a grouping of historic vehicle clubs and museums together
with some trade and Individual Supporters.
FBHVC website
See earlier EU Roadworthiness Testing reports. More
Posted: 140211
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Ethanol
in petrol
Queries have arisen in the last few months about
high octane unleaded petrol (Super Premium) sold
in the UK, and whether or not this blend should
contain ethanol, as it is supposed to be the so-called
'Protection Grade'. There may be some uncertainty
about this issue, so a few words of explanation
might be useful. Protection Grade will be limited
to 5% ethanol when petrol of 10% ethanol content
is introduced into the market. This has not apparently
happened yet, although the legal framework is in
place, and it can be legally sold but must be labelled
appropriately. The higher octane Super Premium fuels
are blended to achieve the high octane quality without
addition of ethanol. However, they leave
the refinery in that condition and move on to distribution
centres where ethanol may or may not be added. This
highlights the problem of predicting which Super
Premium blends will contain ethanol and which will
not. There was a time when Shell V-Power petrol
was definitely ethanol free, but this changed some
years ago now, and it is known that ethanol has
been blended into Super Premium blends (Shell and
Esso, and possibly BP) in some locations. Provided
the ethanol content does not rise above 5%, where
a label would be required, there is no breach of
law or government intention in respect of Protection
Grade. When petrol containing ethanol at 10% volume
does reach the market, it must by law carry the
label 'E10' and a warning that it might not be suitable
for all cars, and the advice to consult the manufacturer.
We recognise that the latter advice might be a bit
tricky for the owners of some historic vehicles.
Supermarket petrol
A recent invitation to receive Tesco Club Card points
when purchasing fuel from an Esso petrol station
led to a conversation which revealed that Tesco
sell Esso petrol and diesel, hence the Club Card
arrangement. As one of the Big Three fuel retailers
in the UK, Esso have always been keen to protect
their quality image, so the sale of Esso fuel by
Tesco is an interesting development which might
go some way to refute the popularly held myth that
supermarket petrol is of lower quality than that
sold by the oil majors.
New
petroleum regulations
A document issued for consultation by the Health
and Safety Executive this month covers the revision
of the rules governing the handling and sale of
petrol. The new legislation is mainly concerned
with garage forecourts and the like, but it does
also cover proposed new rules for the domestic storage
of petrol for use in lawn mowers, boats etc., so
it is also of interest for the historic vehicle
owner. There does not seem too much to be concerned
about, as the domestic storage proposal is for individuals
to be permitted to store up to 10 litres in plastic
containers, or up to 20 litres in metal containers,
all such storage containers to be suitably marked.
For those who are interested or who would like the
opportunity to comment, the consultation document
can be found on the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd264.htm.
The consultation period runs until 7th February
2014. |
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