Media Release

Shell today claimed a world first when it launched its new flagship 100 octane fuel successfully formulated with 5% ethanol  - Shell Optimax Extreme. This creates a new ‘super premium’ petrol category for the Australian marketplace.

Scientifically formulated in Australia, the breakthrough fuel formulation uses 5% ethanol as an octane-boosting, cleaner burning component and is designed specifically to deliver a higher level of engine responsiveness, sharper acceleration and enhanced power in many modern and high performance cars. Shell Optimax Extreme also has the same engine cleaning qualities as Shell Optimax.  

Chairman of the Shell Companies in Australia, Mr Tim Warren said, “Shell has more than 25 years global experience successfully formulating and testing ethanol-based fuel for its customers.”

Shell Optimax Extreme has been positively tested in Shell’s global laboratory in the UK and in Australia by industry experts including MoTeC and Dick Johnson Racing.

Major car manufacturers in Australia have also recently endorsed the use of up to 10% ethanol blended fuel in their new vehicles.

“Shell is committed to ensuring its fuel technology keeps pace with the engine technology being developed by car manufacturers around the world,” Mr Warren said. 

“Shell Optimax Extreme will take fuel technology within the Australian marketplace to a whole new level.  It is a world first, super-high octane fuel with a minimum octane rating of 100 successfully formulated with 5% ethanol.  This is the highest currently available at any Australian service station pump, and our first fuel in Australia scientifically formulated with ethanol.”

“We are also proud to be supporting Australian ethanol manufacturers and contributing to the Federal Governments biofuels targets,” said Mr Warren. 

“Through the formulation with ethanol, Shell Optimax Extreme has a substantially lower sulphur and benzene content than the maximum levels set under the Federal Government’s fuel quality standards. Ethanol is also a cleaner burning, renewable fuel component, which can help to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.”

The revolutionary 100 octane fuel will be manufactured at Shell’s Geelong refinery and is the first significant advancement in unleaded fuel technology since the introduction of Shell Optimax in 1999.

Shell Optimax Extreme will be available exclusively through selected Coles Express service stations in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.

Coles Express Managing Director, Mick McMahon said, “Coles Express is proud to partner with Shell to bring our customers Australia’s first ever super-premium 100 octane fuel with 5% ethanol.”

“The premium quality of Shell Optimax Extreme will excite customers and demonstrate the potential of ethanol-based fuels.  Coles Express is uniquely positioned to play a key role in encouraging motorists to trial this fuel with its convenient locations and the option to use the Coles Myer fuel discount scheme,” he said.

Customers should follow their manufacturer’s recommendations when considering whether to use ethanol fuels in their vehicles.