Fuel standards on agenda

A discussion document proposing a range of changes to New Zealand’s engine fuels specifications regulations 2011 has been released by the government. The rules set out minimum standards for the performance of fuel and limit components that could be harmful to the environment and public health, says Jamie Kerr, energy markets policy manager at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. They are regularly updated to keep pace with new technologies, fuel specifications of other countries and secure other social benefits. “The three key changes proposed are a significant reduction in sulphur levels in petrol, the introduction of a total oxygen limit in petrol and raising the biodiesel blend limit,” he says. “We are proposing to reduce sulphur levels in petrol from 50 to 10 parts per million. Sulphur occurs naturally in crude oils and is reduced during the refining process. “Lowering levels of sulphur in petrol would reduce a range of harmful emissions. The estimated social benefits of this proposal have been modelled at $34 million per annum.” Another proposal involves raising the biodiesel blend limit in diesel from five to seven per cent to support the government’s goal of promoting biofuels when technically and commercially viable, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed introduction of a total oxygen limit in petrol and individual oxygenate limits aims to improve the flexibility available to fuel suppliers and potentially reduce some costs to consumers. This would align these specifications with those of Europe, which are typically seen as benchmark standards. “These are just proposals at this stage,” says Kerr. “The fuel and motoring industries, as well as members of the public, will have the opportunity to provide their feedback through the submission process.” Click here for more information and the submission process.