Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
270. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will initiate a publicity campaign to draw the public’s attention to the fact that petrol is being changed from E-5 to E-10 and the potential detrimental effects on their machinery (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28543/23]
View answerThe regulations establishing a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.
My Department launched a public information awareness campaign from the start of March 2023, in tandem with the statutory consultation on the draft regulations, which includes print, radio, digital and social media advertising, as well as information displays at forecourts. This advertising refer consumers to the gov.ie/E10 website, which was launched in July 2022, for further information. The public information campaign will continue until July 2023, when the regulations become fully operational.
Experience from jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period of time has not indicated issues of damage to petrol engines as a result of E10 use. Recent analysis published on the website of the US Department of Energy indicates no reliability or operability issues concerning E10, which has been in use in the US since the late 1970s. The AA has also issued guidance assuring the use of E10, with advice for the maintenance and use of some older vehicles and equipment, including for use in petrol powered small equipment.
The new regulations mean that from 1 July, E5 supply will not be eligible for renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) certificates. It is evident from consultation with industry that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland. But the regulations will not prevent any independent or specialist fuel supply, if sufficient demand exists.
The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel policy.
