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Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment he has made of the impact of low sulphur fuel on engine performance and fuel efficiency; and if he will make a statement.
Answer

Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of low sulphur fuel on engine performance and fuel efficiency; and if he will make a statement. [140247] Mr. Hill: Other fuel properties being constant, the use of low sulphur petrol or diesel fuel will have no impact on engine performance or the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. It will, however, contribute directly to a reduction of sulphates and particulates discharged from the tailpipe. For vehicles fitted with exhaust catalysts, reduced emissions of NOx, CO and hydrocarbons may also be expected due to improved operation of the catalyst and control sensors that may be affected by sulphur poisoning. The processes used by individual oil companies to formulate low sulphur diesel could change other fuel properties that could potentially result in some loss of engine efficiency, but experience with ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) indicates that most oil companies use a combination of refinery processes and additives to ensure any potential performance loss is minimised or eliminated entirely. In some cases, enhanced performance and fuel economy is claimed. Any effects should, therefore, be minimal but could vary from engine type to engine type and on the degree to which the vehicle is maintained. Motorists should experience no noticeable difference with ultra-low sulphur petrol (ULSP) compared to their normal grade. This fuel will, however, facilitate the introduction of new fuel-efficient vehicles that are expected to be increasingly introduced onto the market over the new few years. These vehicles should offer a significant fuel savings when running on ULSP.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
357 c609-10W; 140247
Session
1999-00
Subjects
Engines Exhaust emissions Fuels Fossil fuels Motor vehicles Unleaded petrol Diesel Petrochemicals Sulphur
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk