The government is planning to introduce low-carbon petrol to UK forecourts as it fights to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

A public consultation has been launched to investigate whether and how the new fuel should be introduced.

Existing ‘E5’ petrols are 5% bioethanol, whereas the new E10 petrol would double the proportion of biofuel to 10%.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), the E10 fuel would reduce the average petrol car’s carbon dioxide emissions by two percent, helping the UK meet its climate change targets.

The government has already paved the way for these plans, with this year’s changes to the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation requiring fuel suppliers to increase the amount of renewable fuel they sell up to 2032.

However, the DfT admits that around one million petrol-powered cars on UK roads would not be able to run on the E10 petrol.

As a result, the government is proposing the introduction of a “E5 protection grade” that would “ensure standard petrol remains available at an affordable price.”

Transport Minister Jesse Norman emphasised the importance of cutting carbon emissions, while ensuring that drivers of older cars are not left out of pocket.

“This government is ambitiously seeking to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions from transport,” he said. “But drivers of older vehicles should not be hit hard in the pocket as a result.

“We have launched this consultation in order to understand the impact of E10 on the UK market better, and to ensure that drivers are protected if any changes come into effect.”

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