The main changes to the specifications are: - a reduction in benzene in Petrol from 3% of volume down to 1% of volume
- a reduction in sulphur in Diesel from 500ppm down to 50ppm.
The New Zealand Refining Company will begin producing these new fuels from 1 September 2005 in order to ensure all fuels sold in New Zealand from 1 January 2006 meet the new specifications. Shell sites will begin receiving deliveries of the new fuels from 1st October 2005 onwards. In meeting these new regulations, Shell will also be progressively introducing new Ultra Hi 95, which will replace our existing premium fuel Shell Ultra Hi 96. The fuel specification changes mean New Zealanders’ will have access to petrol and diesel that is cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Benzene is a compound that is naturally present in crude oil, and is a known carcinogen. The lower the benzene content in petrol, the lower the environmental and health impact. Less sulphur means fewer harmful emissions and improved air quality. The reduction to benzene and sulphur levels and the change in octane rating from 96 to 95 will not adversely affect the performance of the vast majority of vehicles. A small minority of vehicles may be impacted by these changes. The changes to both petrol and diesel bring New Zealand’s regulations up to date with international standards.
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