Chevron Philippines Inc., the local distributor of Caltex-branded fuels and lubricants, launched last week at its Caltex Gil Puyat/Malugay service center in Makati City, its new E10 with Techron gasoline.
E10 is bioethanol-blended gasoline that consists of 10% bioethanol and 90% gasoline. Bioethanol is an alternative energy resource produced from organic matter. It is a byproduct of fermented carbohydrates such as starch or sugar found in agricultural crops.
The local sources of bioethanol are agricultural products such as sugarcane, corn, cassava, and nipa, which can be grown and harvested regularly. As such, it offers a considerable advantage over fossil fuels for being renewable.
Bioethanol-blended products have higher oxygen content thus promoting improved engine combustion resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, provides for the development and use of biofuels, including bioethanol, as an alternative fuel source in the current range of gasoline products available in the market.
As with all Caltex gasoline products, Caltex E10 is formulated with its patented Techron fuel ingredient, which helps clean vital engine parts for improved combustion, reduced exhaust emission, and better vehicle performance.
Chevron officials claim that Caltex E10 with Techron can be used in fuel-injected engines and that there is generally no need for any expensive engine improvements or modifications.
An FAQ paper issued during the launch however recommends that car owners consult their vehicles’ owner’s manual for specific information regarding which type of fuel their vehicle can take.
The materials of construction of the vehicle’s fuel system, including elastometers and gaskets, should be compatible with bioethanol. Car owners may also consult their dealer or manufacturer for additional information.
While it is generally regarded as safe to mix gasoline and bioethanol-blended gasoline purchased from different suppliers and dealers, Caltex recommends an unadulterated fuel supply consisting of Caltex E10 with Techron to benefit from the cleaning power of the Techron additive to ensure optimum engine performance.
With regards to motorcycle use, the FAQ states that since there are many types and models of two- and four-stroke motorcycles in the market, it is recommended that its compatibility with bioethanol be consulted with the dealer or manufacturer. The same applies with personal seacraft, motorized bancas and motorboats.
At present, Caltex E10 with Techron is available at the following Metro Manila service stations: Edsa cor. Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan; EDSA/Boni Ave., Mandaluyong; Kalentong, Mandaluyong; Buendia-Malugay, Makati; Edsa Malibay, Pasay; A. Bonifacio Ave., Marikina; A. Bonifacio/Tagaytay, QC; #3 Visayas Ave., QC; G. Araneta/NS Amoranto, QC; NLEX-Malinta, NLEX-Valenzuela; JP Rizal/Calasanz, Makati; Sucat, Parañaque; MTBV Multi Oil-Quirino corner Osmeña Highway, Manila; NAIA Ninoy Aquino San Dionisio, Kabihasnan, Parañaque; and Alabang Zapote Road, Las Piñas.
Provincial Caltex service stations offering E10 with Techron are the following: Manila East Road, Taytay, Rizal; SLEX-San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna; Pres. Laurel Highway, Tanauan, Batangas; Lemery, Batangas; Kumintang, Batangas City; EJ Caltex Service Station, Inc., San Pascual, Batangas; and Starpeak #4-Sta. Rita, Batangas.