UK implementing EU fuel pump rules to help drivers identify biofuel blends

In the UK, drivers are set to benefit from new labels to help them to easily identify the right fuel for their vehicle, thanks to new rules being rolled out by the Department for Transport. The labels, which will be accompanied by a wider public information campaign later this year, will also help drivers understand the biofuel content of the fuels they use every day.

Last year, the carbon dioxide (CO2) savings from using biofuels in road transport was equivalent to taking over a million cars off the UK’s roads. Blending biofuels into regular petrol and diesel reduces CO2 emissions, helping us to meet climate change commitments. Petrol, which contains up to 5% renewable ethanol, will be labelled ‘E5’, while diesel, which contains up to 7% biodiesel, will be labelled as ‘B7’.

A DfT spokesperson said, “These new labels will help drivers chose the right fuel for their vehicle, whilst also highlighting the use of biofuels in reducing the CO2 emissions from everyday road vehicles. The UK’s Road to Zero strategy sets out the agency’s ambition to end the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2040, while the ongoing decarbonizing of traditional fuels will help during this transition.”

The labels will appear on the pumps on every forecourt and on the filler caps of all new vehicles, allowing motorists to easily match the correct fuel to their car or motorbike.