Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons drivers told to keep using E10 fuel despite 'concerns'

E10 petrol has helped cut emissions - despite fears over its efficiency. The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) Annual Report identified that the introduction of E10 petrol helped slash emissions in 2022.

E10 fuel was rolled out across Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury's petrol stations back in 2021 and there were initially fears over its suitability. E10 means the 95 octane petrol is blended with between 5.5 per cent and 10 per cent of renewable ethanol.

The RTFO report states that the switch from E5 to E10 enables "greater quantities of bioethanol to be used in transport", further supporting the cut in harmful emissions. The report states: "Biodiesel (including Biodiesel ME and Off-road biodiesel) and bioethanol represented 45.3 per cent and 37.4 per cent of the total volume of renewable fuels, respectively.

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"The increased proportion of bioethanol is likely to be driven by the introduction of E10 in late 2021, a biofuel made up of at least 90 per cent regular unleaded and up to 10 per cent ethanol. The introduction of E10 in late 2021 has led to a more pronounced growth in bioethanol use, resulting in a proportional decrease in biodiesel."

But the RAC previously found as many as 600,000 vehicles on our roads in 2021 aren't compatible with E10. Drivers are advised to contact car manufacturers with any questions surrounding their specific vehicle.

On its website, the RAC warns: "For example, Vauxhall says “E10 fuel can be used in all petrol-engine Vauxhall vehicles except models with the 2.2-litre direct-injection petrol engine (code Z22YH) used in Vectra, Signum and Zafira.”

It’s estimated that the greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking up to 350,000 cars off the road in the UK. Grant Shapps said previously: “The next 15 years will be absolutely crucial for slashing emissions from our roads, as we all start to feel the benefits of the transition to a zero-emission future.

“Before electric cars become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today. This small switch to petrol containing bioethanol at 10% will help drivers across country reduce the environmental impact of every journey.”