EC plans new fuel standards

24 June 1996 00:00  [Source: ICB]

New European measures to tackle road transport pollution are 'a missed opportunity' say fuel oxygenates manufacturers.

The European Commission last week adopted its 'Auto Oil' strategy, aimed at cutting road transport emissions by 60-70% by 2010. It is proposing fuel quality standards for unleaded petrol and diesel - a reduction in average aromatics content from the current 40% to 37%, with an upper limit of 45%. Benzene content must be reduced from 2.3% to 1.6%.

Stan Kulik, vice chairman of the European Fuel Oxygenates Association, said most of the costs would fall on the automotive industry and there would be very little effect on fuel reformulation.

Several member states had acted ahead of the Commission's proposals, which were 18 months late, said Kulik. Two weeks ago France passed a law making oxygenates compulsory in all fuels by the year 2000. Italy has pushed ahead with a 1% benzene limit, and Austria held a three-month trial of oxygenates last year.

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