Cleaner Fuels Welcomed, BP

15 May 2002

BP welcomes the government’s announcement for cleaner petrol and diesel in New Zealand.

BP Managing Director Peter Griffiths said BP already sells more environmentally friendly fuels in this country.

Since 2001 BP has sold diesel with a sulphur level of 500 parts per million - 80% less sulphur than conventional diesel - at its Christchurch service stations. To date, 21 million litres have been sold.

BP supported the government regulating for less sulphur in diesel sold in Auckland.

The company has also introduced a petrol called Ultimate with half the benzene of other petrol at 35 service stations.

Mr Griffiths said he would have liked to see the government introduce incentives for oil companies to produce fuels from renewable sources such as ethanol. In Queensland, BP is working on a state-funded project to produce petrol made out of ethanol from sugar cane.

Mr Griffiths said today’s announcement will put New Zealand’s fuel quality back on a par with other countries.

“However, until our government regulates for better vehicle maintenance, especially an emission test as part of warrant of fitness testing, and toughens laws on diesel used imports, cleaner fuels will only have limited effect on our air quality.”

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