Only unleaded gasoline will be sold in Metro filling stations startingApril 1

Leaded gasoline users will have no choice but to change to unleaded petrol by April Fool's day.

The impending change is part of the agreement signed by the government and oil companies to rid the country of leaded gas as required by the Clean Air Act of 1999.

Undersecretary Ben Hur Salcedo of the Department of Energy (DOE) said yesterday motorists and transport industry members have nothing to worry about as they can easily switch from leaded to unleaded gasoline.

"Cars will run on unleaded gasoline without any disruptions," Salcedo explained during the Ugnayan sa Hotel Rembrandt to assure the "more than 50 percent of the transport population doubting the use of unleaded gasoline."

Rey Marquez, Executive Director of the Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP), said that aside from the obvious environmental and health advantages, car owners will benefit from the switch since unleaded fuel with additive chemicals called "oxigenates" will bring-up the level of octane content which ensures increased engine life and smooth operation.

Leaded gasoline causes corrosion in automobile exhaust systems that, in the long term, requires frequent oil and spark plug changes and consequently results in high maintenance cost.

Willie Toledo, Manager of the Technical Services Department of Petron, revealed that car models from 1993 to the present were made by car manufacturers for use of leaded or unleaded gas.

This means no modification is necessary for the switch. Cars from 1982 down, which usually have soft valves and valve seats, can still use unleaded petrol after a simple modification.

Since last March 20, the PIP has ceased the distribution of leaded gas to service stations in Metro Manila to ensure that by April 1, only unleaded gasoline will be made available to the public.

Japan phased out leaded gas two decades ago while the US banned it in 1996. Other countries such as Sweden, Guatemala and Brazil, have implemented a lead-free policy.

To ensure the public's education on the use of unleaded gas, the PIP is spearheading an information campaign to educate the public.