News

Introducing E10 – ‘a welcome development’  

UKPIA has welcomed the Department for Transport’s recent announcement that they are consulting on proposals to introduce petrol blended with 10% bioethanol, otherwise known as E10.
Whilst this is a recognition of the significant role that low-carbon liquid hydrocarbon fuels can play in combating carbon emissions, the downstream oil sector also urges the UK government to ensure that its introduction occurs in a pragmatic and consumer-focused way.
“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,” said UKPIA director-general Stephen Marcos Jones.


It is imperative…that changes are introduced carefully in a way that does not create unintended consequences for retailers and consumers’


“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.”