I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 64 together.
Quality standards for oil products are set by the National Standards Authority of Ireland which reports to my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for commerce, science and technology. The aspects of the standards which relate to the problem of oils freezing in cold weather are the cloud point temperature above which wax crystals will not form and the cold filter pour point temperature above which the oil should flow despite the presence of wax crystals.
The national standard issued by the NSAI, IS251, specifies a cloud point of 0ºC and a cold filter pour point of -12ºC for winter grade gas oil. The Whitegate oil refinery produces gas oil to this specification all year round.
During two particularly cold spells in mid November and in late December, there were many instances reported of gas oil freezing. The Irish National Petroleum Corporation tested samples of gas oil which it had produced and independent testing verified that the oil was in conformity with the standards laid down in IS251. Because of the problems encountered, I asked the Minister with responsibility for commerce, science and technology to request the NSAI to undertake a review of the standard with a view to having an updated version, if necessary, in place before next winter. I understand this review is now in progress.
That oil meets the national standard does not guarantee operability in the absence of appropriate precautions to be taken by the final consumer. The NSAI has issued a leaflet detailing some simple precautions which should be taken such as the proper siting of tanks, insulation of exposed pipework and filters, and regular maintenance, etc., to avoid problems occurring at temperatures below -2ºC. The leaflet should be available from any oil distributor.