All petrol and diesel on sale in the UK must now contain biofuel. The first stage of the British government’s Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation, which comes into effect today, forces fuel suppliers to include at least 2.5 per cent biofuel in all petrol and diesel sold in the UK. This is due to rise to 5 per cent by the end of the decade.
The new law aims to reduce the road transport sector’s CO2 output, but has recently proved contentious with environmental pressure groups who are concerned about deforestation and rising food prices.
The government claims that is is satisfied with the renewability of the UK’s biofuel sources. "The UK has done more than any other country to make sure they are produced sustainably," said Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
