UK government proposals to introduce E10 petrol on the forecourt

The UK government has launched a consultation regarding proposals for the introduction of E10 petrol, containing up to 10% bioethanol, as the 95 octane ‘Premium’ grade on UK forecourts from 2021. Unleaded petrol in the UK currently contains up to 5% bioethanol, a grade known as E5, whereas E10 petrol is not currently available.

The government also proposes ensuring the ongoing availability of E5 petrol in the higher octane ‘Super’ grade only; amending the mandatory labelling of E10 petrol; and launching a call for evidence on future transport biofuels policy.

It is hoped that the introduction of E10 petrol will reduce CO₂ emissions from petrol-fuelled vehicles and could help the UK meet emissions reduction targets.

Commenting on the news, LowCVP's Managing Director Andy Eastlake said: ‘We believe that the introduction of E10, including the currently applied strict sustainability standards for product feedstocks, can make a significant contribution to CO₂ reduction from road transport and help in the drive towards net zero while also supporting UK industry.’

The UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) welcomed the announcement ‘as a recognition of the significant role that low-carbon liquid hydrocarbon fuels can play in combating carbon emissions’. However, it also urged the government ‘to ensure that its introduction occurs in a pragmatic and consumer-focused way’.

Every new petrol car sold since 1 January 2011, has been required to be fully warranted to use E10. The vast majority of new cars since 2000 are also fully warranted and some 97% of petrol cars on UK roads are now fully warranted to use E10. Older cars which are either not warranted to use E10 (or it’s not known if they can use E10), together with historic vehicles, can be catered for through the Super 97 E5 petrol grade, acting as a legacy grade.