Fuel quality standards consultation opens

PUBLIC consultation is now open on improved fuel quality standards that will form the pathway toward cleaner fuels and reduced emissions from cars on Australia’s roads.

The changes proposed in the federal government’s Draft Regulation Impact Statement could see Australia adopt tougher Euro 6D standards – to be applied to new vehicles in Europe from 2025 – which require lower levels of noxious emissions.

If introduced, the standards mean Australia may finally catch up to global efficiency standards, the report saying that at present fuel standards do not align with international best practice, road blocking the transition to more efficient models.

“Adopting Euro 6D will improve the choice Australian consumers have when buying their next car, supporting more model choices that cost less to run,” said minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

“Closer alignment with best-practice international fuel standards would ensure that consumers will have confidence that new vehicles will operate effectively in Australia.

“The government is seeking feedback on its preferred option to ensure the right policy settings for fuel quality in Australia.”

The Euro 6D standard sets maximum limits for a range of gases and particulates a vehicle may produce. As reported by GoAuto News previously, the high level of aromatics accepted under Australia’s current fuel standards can adversely affect advanced emissions control technologies in many newer models.

Aromatics are chemicals in crude oil that increase the octane rating of petrol. Limiting aromatics in one grade of premium unleaded petrol to 35 per cent, according to the Draft Regulation Impact Statement, would ensure effective operation of the latest vehicle emission controls and enable Euro 6D standards for new vehicles sold locally from 2025.

Federal minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, said the value of lowering noxious emissions through Euro 6D standards is estimated at $4.9 billion between 2025 and 2050.

“Implementing improved fuel quality and noxious emissions standard will result in improved air quality and better health outcomes. They will also ensure the cleanest vehicle technology works as intended,” she explained.

The Draft Regulation Impact Statement is seeking views on costs and benefits including implementation costs for refiners, importers and service stations, as well as any impact on vehicle importers.

Welcoming the government’s consultation process on Australia’s fuel standards, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) stated that the move was necessary to lower emissions from the country’s light vehicle fleet.

“Automotive manufacturers have been calling for an improvement to Australia’s fuel quality standards for more than 10 years,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“Currently, we have some of the worst quality petrol in the advanced world. We are pleased to see the government flag action on 95 RON petrol as their preferred option in this consultation process.”

While agreeing that the move to act on addressing emissions in the light vehicle sector, Mr Weber said the quality of 91 and 98 RON fuel still needs to be addressed.

“These are complex issues and the FCAI will work with policy makers,” he said.

“The government work underway on an electric vehicle strategy, fuel quality and ideally a fuel efficiency standard, will support an increase in zero and low emissions vehicles on Australia’s roads.”

Submissions on the Draft Regulation Impact Statement are open until 16 December 2022.