Shell launches ethanol-blended gasoline in retail stations

Amid the controversy on the possible harmful effect of ethanol to automobiles, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. launched yesterday its pre-blended ethanol gasoline in one of its retail stations in Manila.

Carrying the brand "Super Unleaded E10," Shell said it is the first major oil firm to launch such product in the market. Small players Seaoil, Flying V, USA 88 and Eastern Petroleum Corp. are already selling pre-blended ethanol in some of their retail gas stations.

As claimed, the Super Unleaded E10 burns cleaner and helps complete combustion. It is not only good for the car’s engine but also for the environment. The ethanol blend helps reduce the harmful content in gasoline (benzene and sulfur), thus enabling motorists to contribute to a cleaner and greener environment.

However, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) was very vocal about their reservation on the use of alternative fuels, particularly ethanol. The group insisted more tests should be conducted on cars before such product is used on local cars to avoid future problems.

Shell is the world’s largest retailer of biofuels and is investing in new advanced biofuels production routes in its commitment to being a coalition builder for environment-friendly solutions.

Shell has formed a partnership with IOGEN, a Canadian-based company, to bring the biofuels technology to the benefit of consumers.

IOGEN is a world leading biotechnology firm specializing in cellulose ethanol, a fully renewable, advanced biofuel that can be used in today’s cars.

The launch of this fuel is in support of the Philippine government’s bioethanol program to encourage motorists to use ethanol-blended gasoline in order to reduce oil imports and help develop the economy.

By 2007, the Philippines will have its first ethanol plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. This will bring the country closer to reducing dependence on imported oil. This will also expand opportunities for livelihood in the countryside that can contribute to the nation’s sustainable economic growth.