In Conversation
Continued from page 17
more renewables into transport fuel increases
we may see E10 being introduced, but for the
time being this remains a commercial decision.
“It’s also necessary to advise the
customer that E10 contains biofuel and,
in the case of pre-2000 vehicles there are
compatibility issues.”
The Government consultation on provision
of a protection grade for vehicles unable to
use E10 is due later this year – possibly May
A new labelling system for fuels
Under article 7 of the Alternative Fuel
Infrastructure Directive (AFID), which looks
to alternative fuels to provide sustainable
transportation in the future, the whole of
Europe is implementing a new labelling system
for fuels. As a member of the European
working group, Teresa had an active role in this
new labelling.
The new harmonised labelling system
which the Government is due to consult on
shortly, comes into effect in October 2018.
After this date all fuel dispensers, nozzles and
vehicles must display the new labels to show
vehicle compatibility with the fuels on the
forecourt.
“We need to get the messaging right to
reassure motorists and to avoid mis-fuelling,”
said Teresa
“This will be particularly important for
when new fuel blends come onto the forecourt
in the future. The DFA is working with the
industry to prepare guidance for retailers and
motorists which will be available shortly.
The direction of travel
The DFA, which has many dealings with
Government, has found constant changes in
The speed of a fast, convenient EV transition depends on how quickly government wants fuel retailers to roll it out
ministerial appointments and within the civil
service to be a challenge.
“We work with Government departments
where there’s been a constant churn of
individuals, meaning we start at zero each
time. Additionally, once the government’s
decided on the direction of travel – it’s very
difficult to get them to listen to something
that’s not on the same page.
“That said our means of travelling will be
heavily reliant on fossil fuels for many years.
As the transition moves on, the challenge
for the retail fuel market will be how to meet
the needs of the consumer with a diverging
fuel mix, hopefully without the Government
making life too difficult!”
In 2017 the Department for Transport
launched a £22m competition to help
‘increase domestic production of advanced
low carbon fuels capable of tackling the
• Tanker trailers for hire
• Short and long term hire available
• Highly competitive rates
hard-to-decarbonise aviation and HGV sectors’
with the first stage closing in December.
“The general public don’t know enough
about advancements in fuel technology nor
how the industry is working to provide cleaner
fuels, particularly for modes of transport
difficult to electrify. There’s a lot going on.
“Long term the UK is looking at higher
fuel imports – a fact which will not change.
Meanwhile the Government is being incredibly
ambitious with its push towards electric/
autonomous vehicles; the speed at which this
transition can take place is hotly debated.
Whether this will make the desire to get
away from imports more feasible is another
matter….
“What I know for certain is we’re in for a
period of change to which we must adapt to
face a future that’s going to be very different.”
Contact the sales team for price and availability on
01226 350650 or e-mail [email protected]
18 Fuel Oil News | April 2018