The 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.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
- The UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) represents eight oil refining and marketing companies that operate the six major oil refineries in the UK and source over 85% of the transport fuels used. UKPIA members also own around 1,250 of the UK's 8,476 filling stations in the UK.