Northern Ireland will roll out E10 petrol in November

Fuel stations in Northern Ireland will switch to E10 as the standard grade of petrol, in November.

The changeover takes place one year after the rest of the UK made the switch.

E10 is petrol blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol. Its use across the UK could contribute to cutting transport CO2 emissions in the UK by potentially 750,000 tonnes a year.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shailesh Vara said: “The government is committed to supporting the growth of green energy across the UK and the introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide on Northern Ireland roads.

“The decarbonisation of transport methods has an important part to play in achieving the UK’s net zero goals as well as creating opportunities for growth in our economy.”

The introduction of E10 will see renewable ethanol in petrol double, from the current petrol blend E5 containing no more than 5% ethanol.

Older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel, which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘super’ petrol grade.

To help raise awareness of the upcoming switch, the UK government is launching an information campaign for motorists in Northern Ireland that will see new fuel pump labels as well as targeted digital, radio and social media advertising. 

Decarbonisation Minister Trudy Harrison added: “We’re determined to cut emissions from all our roads and clean up our air, as we accelerate towards a zero-emission transport future.

“Although more and more motorists are driving electric vehicles, there are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads. The small switch to E10 petrol will not only help drivers across the country reduce their environmental impact, but also could create thousands of jobs across the UK.”