New fuel labels are set to appear at petrol stations across Ukraine: what drivers need to know
This is reported by OBOZ.UA
From 1 July, Ukrainian petrol stations will begin using new fuel labelling based on the European model. The pumps will display the designations E5, E10 and B7, which will indicate the biofuel content in petrol and diesel. This was announced by Gennadiy Ryabtsev, deputy director of the Psychea Scientific and Technical Centre. The new system does not mean the familiar petrol grades will be phased out. The A-95 and A-92 grades will remain at petrol stations, but additional information about the fuel’s composition will be displayed alongside them.
What do E5, E10 and B7 mean?
The new designations indicate the maximum percentage of biofuel the fuel may contain. For petrol, the following will be used:
- E5 — petrol with a bioethanol content of up to 5%;
- E10 — petrol containing up to 10% bioethanol.
For diesel fuel, the following labels will be used:
- B7 — diesel with up to 7% biodiesel.
The number following the letter indicates the maximum proportion of bio-components in the mixture. For example, E10 means that the petrol may contain up to 10% bioethanol. A similar system has been in use in European Union countries for several years. It allows drivers to quickly understand the composition of the fuel regardless of the country.
Will it be possible to refuel older cars?
According to experts, most modern cars can run on E10 petrol without any problems. This applies primarily to cars manufactured after 2011. At the same time, owners of older cars should be more cautious. This applies particularly to cars with carburettor engines or models manufactured before the introduction of modern environmental standards. For such cars, E5 petrol with a lower bioethanol content may be more suitable. You can check which fuel is suitable for a specific car:
- in the vehicle’s technical documentation;
- the markings near the fuel tank;
- in the manufacturer’s recommendations;
- at a service centre.
Why fuel labelling is changing
The transition to the European system is part of the Ukrainian market’s adaptation to EU standards. Bioethanol and biodiesel are produced from plant-based raw materials. Such additives are used to reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels and cut harmful emissions. At the same time, for most drivers, the daily refuelling process will remain virtually unchanged: they will continue to see the familiar petrol names, but with additional European labelling.
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