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ETHANOL FUEL The Australian Situation 2012 A report to the AHMF for the benefit of interstate travelling
With the demise of leaded fuels, motorists with pre 1986 vehicles were forced to seek alternative treatments to prevent valve seat recession. Many and varied are those treatments. Then came ethanol, again to the detriment of pre 1986 vehicles.
Much has been written about the effects of Ethanol in fuel. It is not the intention of this report to go over old ground but to give an indication of what fuel is available around Australia. It cannot be a definitive report as oil companies move fuel between states and we really are at their mercy that what they say is a particular fuel is indeed that fuel.
So, it remains; Buyer Beware!
Federal legislation in 2008 approved the capping of ethanol in petrol to 10%. This became known as E10. Fuel outlets are required to inform customers if they are using petrol that contains ethanol. Most Eastern States customers will be aware of the blue and white E10 symbol on pumps.
Caltex Australia last year began selling E85 — an 85 per cent blend of ethanol and petrol — as part of an agreement with Holden, which launched an E85-capable engine in its popular Commodore range. So this is another one to look out for, again mainly on the Eastern seaboard.
It is safe to say that fuel containing ethanol is available in all Australian States and Territories except Western Australia. Ethanol can be found in some premium grade fuels from various suppliers in some states. It would seem that the safest category of fuel for pre 1986 vehicles are the various premium grades (PULP) from some suppliers but not all.
Owners really do need to check with every outlet as to the content of the fuel they are purchasing and then have to rely on the honesty of the proprietor. But, you might say, any fuel containing ethanol MUST be stated at the pump, it’s the law. Yes well, rules and laws are made for the guidance of wise men and the blind obedience of fools and many a motorist may well have been caught out. The E10 content is mandatory to be advised at pumpsproviding the maximum ethanol content is 10%, lesser concentrations may not be advised at all outlets.
In researching this report I have been given alternative opinions and contradicting statements from various suppliers around the country. There have been legislative changes by various states over the last few months which have made the compiling of this report a little more difficult. However, in all this doom and gloom, let’s have a look at each State and see what is to be expected at the pump.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA The two main arterial access roads into WA are via the Eyre Highway at Eucla and the Victoria Highway into Kununurra.
Fuel is supplied to Kununurra for distribution to the WA top end from Darwin. Although the Northern Territory delivers ethanol at the pump for Territorians the fuel provided to WA is (supposedly) ethanol free.
Eucla receives fuel from Perth and is ethanol free yet Border village receives SA fuel and may contain ethanol. WA’s biggest refinery BP and the motoring group RAC have both stated that ethanol fuel in WA is not a viable concern.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA There is some anomaly in South Australian legislation where ethanol fuel can be sold in the state if it conforms to emissions standards and is not blended in the state. See www.RAA.com.au for a full report on ethanol, in SA.
In general, fuel sold in SA is readily identified with the E10 logo and maybe now with the E85 for the commodores.
Premium grade fuel (PULP) in SA should be ethanol free.
VICTORIA Ethanol fuel in ULP is readily available throughout Victoria yet fuel giant Shell, recently announced it is pulling the E10 fuel from the market due to decreased demand. United Petroleum says the demand is actually growing in Victoria and they recently purchased another ethanol plant in Queensland for distribution of E10 around the country.
There is no indication that PULP has any ethanol in Victoria.
There should be outlets that sell ULP without ethanol, but they may be hard to find.
TASMANIA Tasmanians can now use E10 ethanol-blended fuel as of this week, joining the rest of the nation (except for Western Australia). The ethanol blend will be available through all United Petroleum outlets in the state and is available in two varieties, Plus ULP and Boost 98 (both E10 blends mixed with unleaded and premium unleaded, respectively). Both varieties are expected to sell for a few cents per litre less than their petrol equivalents, and can be used in most post-1986 cars (particularly those that use fuel-injection rather than a carburettor). Posted by Car Geek on July 31, 2007 There is no indication at this time that this information has changed.
Motorists need to be aware that Tasmania has PULP containing ethanol so you need to shop around.
NEW SOUTH WALES A government mandate in NSW directing retailers to stock E10 has ensured the fuel’s popularity in that state. The E10 product has increased from 2% in 2007 to 6% in 2011 and as a result more and more outlets offer this fuel, some to the detriment of PULP outlets.
As From July 2012 all ULP in NSW will be E10.
PULP should remain ethanol free. But…………
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Again as in other states the ACT has E10 fuel in ULP. There is no indication that PULPcontain ethanol.
QUEENSLAND Towards the end of 2011, major fuel retailers pulled E10 pumps in South East Queensland en-masse. Coles Express is the latest retailer to withdraw its ethanol options, following on the heels of sister oil company Shell. BP and Caltex have also removed hundreds of E10 bowsers.
There should be plenty of E10 free ULP locations around SE QLD but what of the rest of the state. Again motorists need to be aware of what each outlet is offering.
Rumour has it that some northern QLD areas may contain ethanol in premium grade fuels
NORTHERN TERRITORY ULP outlets are identified with E10 where ethanol is present at the maximum 10% limit. Does fuel contain less than 10% and not identified. Who knows! There is no indication that PULP in the NT contains Ethanol
OIL COMPANIES The information from the following companies was taken directly from their websites. The writer cannot guarantee the accuracy of the statements as websites are often updated, however this information will serve to provide an overview of each company’s products.
SHELL AUSTRALIA Shell Unleaded petrol has a minimum Research Octane Number of 91. Shell Unleaded petrol is designed for use in all motor vehicles registered in Australia since 1 January 1986 and some pre 1986 models (refer to owners manual to confirm this application). It is also suited for all 2 and 4 stroke applications associated with motorcycles, marine, motor mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, etc., which have a requirement for petrol with an octane number of 91 or less.
Shell Unleaded petrol contains our Fuel Economy Formula, designed to clean deposits within the engine. A clean engine means your vehicle will be working at its optimum performance and with reduced emissions.
Shell V-Power 98 Octane Shell V-Power is a high performance 98 octane premium unleaded fuel designed to help your car achieve its performance potential, whatever you drive. In fact, Shell V-Power race fuel and road fuels are so similar that you could fill up a Scuderia Ferrari Formula One™ car with the formula available at Coles Express service stations.
Shell Premium Unleaded Petrol/Shell Unleaded 95* Shell Premium Unleaded has a minimum Research Octane Number of 95 and is designed for use in many imported and high performance vehicles which are designed to run exclusively on high octane fuels.
Shell Premium Unleaded is designed to ensure your engine operates at maximum performance and efficiency and also contains our exclusive fuel economy formula, designed to clean deposits within the engine. A clean engine means your vehicle will be working at its optimum performance and with reduced emissions.
*Shell Unleaded 95 is available as Shell Premium Unleaded in WA, NT & TAS
Shell Unleaded E10 Shell Unleaded E10 contains 10% ethanol which is cleaner burning and helps to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions. It also contains our exclusive Fuel Economy Formula, which is designed to take you further by keeping your engine clean.
Shell Unleaded low aromatic petrol/fuel. Shell Unleaded low aromatic is specially designed unleaded petrol which has an octane rating of 91 (the same as regular unleaded fuel) and which complies with the Australian Fuel Quality Standards Act. It has been specially designed to contain low levels of aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene. These aromatic compounds are associated with the narcotic effects from sniffing petrol.
BP AUSTRALIA Opal®fuel Opal fuel is a direct substitute for regular unleaded with an octane rating of 91, which fully conforms to the National Fuels Quality Standards Act 2000.
With over 1.5 million fills sold since the launch in 2005, motorists across parts of Central Australia have been driving around on Opal fuel for over five years.The best part about Opal fuel is that Australian Government research shows it has helped reduce the incidence of petrol sniffing by 94% in affected communities.
Unleaded 95 (Premium) Many imported cars, and particularly those with turbochargers, respond well to unleaded 95 petrol. These high performance cars are often designed for high octane fuel and use sensors to retard ignition when using regular petrol. This enables satisfactory operation, but at a penalty in power or economy. Unleaded 95 enables operation at maximum efficiency.Unleaded 95 is available throughout Australia. Unleaded 91 Most vehicles built or imported since 1986 and a number of pre-1986 vehicles have been designed to operate on regular unleaded petrol. It is also suited for all 2 and 4 stroke applications including motor cycles, marine engines (inboard and outboard), motor mowers, chain saws, brush cutters etc., which have a requirement for petrol with an octane number of 91.
A highly refined petrol with a minimum octane rating of 91, Unleaded 91 petrol is blended according to the season so vehicles experience easy start up and full power all year round.Unleaded 91 is available throughout Australia.
BP Unleaded 91 + ethanol BP Unleaded 91 with ethanol was our first renewable fuel blend available to Australian drivers. It combines regular BP Unleaded 91 with up to 10% ethanol, as well as special cleansing and anticorrosion agents to match the performance and engine protection of regular unleaded.
CALTEX AUSTRALIA Bio E-Flex A new choice in fuel has arrived: Caltex Bio E-Flex, a fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol. Bio E-Flex provides an energy option beyond the traditional fuel mix - something we can all feel good about.
Bio E10 Caltex Bio E10 Unleaded is available at selected Caltex service stations in NSW, ACT and QLD. VORTEX 95 A high octane, premium quality petrol that is designed to maintain optimal engine performance.The cleaning properties of Vortex 95 prevent build-up of carbon deposits within critical engine components. These deposits hamper performance and engine efficiency over time.
VORTEX 98 Vortex 98 is our highest-octane grade of petrol.Containing all the benefits of Vortex 95, Vortex 98 has been specifically designed for high performance engines.This ultra-refined fuel has a uniquely formulated additive, allowing it to meet the rigorous demands of engines that require high compression ratios or are turbo charged.
UNITED PETROLEUM Ethanol 85 (E85) E85 is an alternative fuel that contains 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol. The ethanol component, which is produced by United at its Dalby Refinery from locally sourced Sorghum Grain, offers consumers a range of benefits. This fuel is only suitable for Flex Fuel vehicles such as the new Holden Commodore.
Unleaded E10 (Plus ULP) Unleaded E10 is a new unleaded petrol, which contains higher than the 91 octane of normal unleaded petrol. Ethanol is a natural octane enhancer - adding up to 10% ethanol to petrol boosts the octane number and its performance. Ethanol helps the other components in petrol burn more completely. It also has a cleaning effect on the cars fuel system.
Premium 100 (Contains 10% Ethanol) Premium 100 is a high performance petrol with an octane of 100, which is the highest rating available in the Australian market. Ethanol is a natural octane enhancer - adding 10% ethanol to petrol boosts its octane number and its performance. Ethanol helps the other components in petrol burn more completely. It also has a cleaning effect on the cars fuel system. Premium 100 will give your car more zip!
Premium 98 (Contains 10% Ethanol) Premium 98 is a high performance petrol with an octane of 98, compared with standard unleaded petrol which has only 91 octane. The high octane rating gives you optimum engine, cleaner burning and higher engine performance. Premium 98 will give your car more zip!
Premium 95 (This is the only ethanol free fuel from United) United Premium 95 has a minimum RON (Research Octane Number) of 95. This fuel is designed for use in many imported and high performance vehicles, which are designed to run exclusively on higher octane fuels. It is also designed for everyday vehicles, where the driver demands better and smoother performance from their vehicles. Premium 95 creates a smoother engine operation, which increases vehicle performance with every use.
CONCLUSION At the end of the day, as stated earlier, the question of suitable fuel availability for pre 86 vehicles is up to the owner to determine depending on the desired route. As seen above, the standard of fuel by any one supplier varies from state to state therefore owners should be aware that they may have to shop around at venues to obtain the fuel they need.
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