Demand for lead replacement petrol, or LRP, has been steadily declining over the past few years as older cars are replaced. Currently, LRP volumes account for less than four per cent of Shell’s total motor fuels sales.
Other oil companies are also ceasing LRP supply, so it is likely that the fuel will not be available in Australia by the end of 2005.
Shell Retail General Manager Johannes Risseeuw said Shell encouraged motorists who currently used LRP to start looking at alternatives now as the company’s phase out program was planned to begin in May.
“At the same time we are stopping supply of LRP, we will begin introducing a high octane fuel brand, called Shell Unleaded 95, at Coles Express sites in Victoria, NSW, South East Queensland and the ACT,” Mr Risseeuw said.
“As part of a commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 2009, many vehicle manufacturers are currently making or planning to make models which exclusively run on petrol with a minimum 95 octane rating.
“The higher octane value can provide additional benefits such as engine ‘knock” prevention while vehicles already equipped with knock sensors can experience improved engine power and fuel economy.
“With a minimum octane rating of 95, Unleaded 95 will become the standard unleaded petrol grade of the future so we’re keen to give motorists the opportunity to start using it now, especially owners of new cars.”
Shell Unleaded 95 is part of Shell’s comprehensive suite of motor fuels including Shell Premium Unleaded Petrol and market favourite Shell Optimax – a 98 minimum octane fuel specially formulated to deliver superior engine power, responsiveness and cleansing benefits.
Shell recommends LRP users switch to Shell Optimax, Shell Premium Unleaded Petrol or Shell Unleaded 95 and where necessary use an anti-valve seat recession additive such as Valvemaster.
Call Shell’s technical advice line on 1300 134 205 or go to our web site  www.shell.com.au/lrp to find out which is the best option for your car.
Alternatively check with your vehicle manufacturer or local mechanic.
Background note to editors:
Shell Unleaded 95 is called Shell Premium Unleaded Petrol at Shell branded service stations where Shell Optimax is not available.
Currently supply and distribution constraints limit the availability of Shell Optimax to Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and South East Queensland. In addition, the current fuel specification legislation for Western Australia, which is different to that under the national Fuels Quality Standards Act 2000, means that Shell Optimax cannot currently be marketed in this state.
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