The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), and FuelsEurope, representing the EU petroleum refining and marketing industry, express concern at the French Ministerial Order (DEVR1431074A) published on 3 January 2015.
This Ministerial Order increases the maximum level of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) in diesel sold at public filling stations in France to a maximum of 8% by volume. ACEA and FuelsEurope strongly support the internal consistency in terms of quality and specifications of the EU fuel market: the French Ministerial Order runs contrary to this principle and may lead to a fragmentation of the single market for road fuels.
ACEA and FuelsEurope call for keeping the quality of diesel sold across the entire EU consistent with the standards set by the European Fuel Quality Directive (2009/30/EC) and by the European Technical Specification for Diesel fuel EN590:2013 (max 7% FAME content).
A deviation from this standard by individual Member States is neither in the interests of EU consumers nor the EU economy. It will lead to unnecessary higher complexity and extra-costs in the in the logistics and supply system, due to the proliferation of diesel grades throughout Europe. It puts consumers at risk in cases where their vehicles have a warranty that covers diesel fuel to a maximum of 7% FAME content.
ACEA and FuelsEurope reiterate their call for a single consistent and high quality fuel market in the EU.
