PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES
Carmarthenshire

Standard Petrol (E10)

Standard E10 Petrol (previously referred to as Standard or 95 octane) is a type of fuel that blends regular unleaded petrol with up to 10% ethanol, a biofuel made primarily from agricultural sources such as corn or sugarcane. Introduced as an environmentally friendlier option, E10 is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, helping to address climate change concerns.

The ethanol component in E10 has a high octane rating, which can slightly boost engine performance. However, it's important to note that not all vehicles are compatible with E10 fuel, especially older models. Vehicle manufacturers often provide guidance on whether a car can run effectively on E10 without risking damage to the engine. Additionally, while E10 is generally cheaper than pure unleaded petrol, it can be less fuel-efficient, potentially requiring more frequent refueling.

The government suggests that the introduction of E10 fuel in September 2021 could cut emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year which is the equivalent of 350,000 cars being taken off the road.

Most cars manufactured since the late 1990s are able to use E10 fuel and all cars since 2011 must be compatible but some classic, cherished and older vehicles may not be. You can find more details on specific models by using the Government vehicle checker at https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol.

Super Petrol (E5)

Super grade E5 petrol is a type of fuel that consists of regular unleaded petrol mixed with up to 5% ethanol, a biofuel derived from organic materials like corn, sugarcane, or wheat.

The addition of ethanol to petrol aims to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, making E5 a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional petrol. E5 fuel is widely compatible with most petrol-powered vehicles, including older models, and is known for maintaining a balance between performance and environmental impact. The ethanol in E5 increases the octane rating of the fuel, which can lead to improved engine efficiency and performance in some vehicles.

However, it's important to note that the presence of ethanol, even at 5%, can slightly decrease fuel economy, meaning more frequent refueling might be needed. E5 petrol has been a common standard in many countries and represents a step towards greener automotive fuels, aligning with global initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Diesel (B7)

B7 diesel is a blend of standard diesel fuel with up to 7% biodiesel, which is a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from biological materials like vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled greases. The inclusion of biodiesel in B7 aims to make diesel fuel more environmentally friendly by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing overall greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel is known for its cleaner burning properties compared to traditional diesel, resulting in lower emissions of pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons.

B7 diesel is compatible with most diesel engines without the need for modifications, making it a practical choice for reducing environmental impact without compromising vehicle performance. However, it's important to note that biodiesel can have slightly different chemical properties than conventional diesel, which can affect fuel consumption and cold weather performance. Vehicle manufacturers often provide specific guidance regarding the use of biodiesel blends in their engines.

Super Diesel

Super Diesel is also mixed with 7% of biocomponents but typically refers to a higher-grade or premium diesel fuel offered by petrol stations and this type of diesel is formulated to provide several benefits over standard diesel fuel.

Super diesel often contains additional detergents and additives designed to clean and protect the engine. These additives help to remove deposits from fuel injectors and prevent their formation, maintaining engine efficiency and performance.

Also super diesel usually has a higher cetane number compared to regular diesel. A higher cetane number indicates that the fuel ignites more readily in the engine, leading to smoother, quieter operation, improved cold start performance, and potentially better fuel efficiency.

Super diesel is generally compatible with all diesel engines, but it is particularly beneficial for high-performance and newer engines that can take full advantage of its properties.