A new 95-octane petrol, labelled E10, will be available at petrol stations in Poland from January 2024. The new fuel will contain up to 10 % bioethanol and will replace E5 petrol. Poland thus joins the eighteen European Union countries which have introduced E10 fuel, also known in the USA and Australia. Premium 98-octane petrol will remain unchanged.

The new E10 petrol will not be suitable for all vehicles, especially older models. Some cars are not compatible with this fuel, such as the Alfa Romeo 156 or some older Fiat and Peugeot models from before 2000. Vehicle owners should check that their cars are compatible with the new fuel. This can be done by checking the vehicle documentation or the E10 marking on the fuel filler flap.

The Ministry of Climate and Environment has provided an online search engine to check whether a particular vehicle is compatible with E10 petrol. There will be compulsory signage at filling stations indicating the type of fuel. Premium 98-octane petrol will remain in the E5 format.

E10 petrol is widely used around the world, including in Europe, the United States and Australia. Since 2016, it has been recognised as the reference fuel on which new cars are tested for emissions and performance. The bioethanol contained in E10 petrol has a smaller carbon footprint, helping to reduce the environmental impact of transport.

The aim of introducing E10 petrol is to improve air quality in large cities, where car transport is a major source of pollution. Increasing the share of sustainable biofuels is also expected to contribute to the EU’s target of a 14 % share of fuels derived from renewable raw materials in transport.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński