BP Introduces Powerful, Cleaner-Burning Petrol

20 December 2000

New Zealand’s cleanest-burning and most powerful petrol, BP Ultimate, went on sale today at selected BP service stations.

BP has launched the new fuel in Wellington and tomorrow it goes on sale in Auckland. It is priced the same as Premium Unleaded petrol ($1.06.9 as at today’s prices).

The new petrol will help improve air quality being low in sulphur and with at least half the benzene found in other petrol sold in New Zealand.

It also has the highest octane rating (at least 97.5) of any petrol available in New Zealand giving cars more power and smoother running.

BP’s Managing Director Peter Griffiths said the new fuel will also be kinder on the wallet.

“We estimate that some cars will run at least 3% more efficiently on BP Ultimate than on conventional petrol. Motorists using the new petrol will also directly help reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.”

Because cars run more efficiently, less carbon dioxide is emitted from the exhaust during driving.

BP Ultimate would reduce New Zealand’s carbon dioxide emissions by about 6,000 tonnes each year if only 3% (about 60,000) of cars on our roads used the new fuel.

The petrol follows BP’s recent launch of a low sulphur diesel in Christchurch that will help combat the city’s smog problem. Sales of the new diesel have risen by over 20% at some service stations since it was introduced.

Mr Griffiths said BP was delighted that New Zealand motorists can now buy fuels knowing they are making a difference to the environment.

“At considerable cost BP has exceeded current fuel specification regulations by introducing fuels that are more in line with the superior quality fuels being sold overseas.

“We encourage our competitors to follow our lead so that all New Zealanders can experience the benefits of cleaner fuels.”

- ends -

© Scoop Media