London, 01/11/2022, UKPIA welcomes the roll out today of petrol with higher ethanol content in Northern Ireland as a further step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The move to petrol known as E10, which contains up to 10 percent ethanol, is fully supported by the downstream oil sector as a practical measure to further reduce transport carbon emissions with minimal impact on drivers, filling station operators, or the wider community.
Before today standard (or ‘premium’) petrol in Northern Ireland contained up to 5% ethanol. The move to E10 in Northern Ireland aligns with Great Britain which successfully switched in September 2021.
Elizabeth de Jong, UKPIA Chief Executive Officer, said:
“UKPIA is clear that transport will need low carbon fuels if the UK is to meet its Net Zero target by 2050 and today’s change is an important step in the UK’s broader energy transition journey.
“Petrol and diesel engines will continue to be a large part of the vehicle fleet, as will hybrids, beyond the 2030 phase out of new combustion engine vehicle sales which are not zero emission at the tailpipe.
“E10 can reduce emissions of such vehicles and deliver greenhouse gas savings early. This move will also support the development of low carbon fuels that will be required over the longer-term for aviation and heavy goods vehicles.”
Notes to Editors:
- 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 8,000+ filling stations in the UK. UKPIA’s associate members are made up of a wide range of companies - from heating fuel supply and LNG imports, renewable and sustainable fuel producers, to terminals and pipelines - all providing a range of essential services across the industry.