NAAMSA MEDIA RELEASE : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIESEL FUEL QUALITY ADVISORY

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) wishes to advise drivers of diesel vehicles to be aware of vehicle manufacturers’ stipulated vehicle fuel quality recommendations when refuelling, specifically relating to maximum diesel sulphur level.

Background

Effective 2006, two grades of diesel were legislated by the South African Department of Minerals and Energy with maximum sulphur levels of 500 ppm (parts per million) and 50 ppm respectively. While all diesel vehicles benefit from the use of low sulphur diesel (please refer attached extract from the Worldwide Fuel Charter) - the 50 ppm grade was specifically introduced to accommodate the increasing number of new technology diesel vehicles entering the South African market designed to operate on current European diesel fuel which has a maximum sulphur level of 50 ppm and to allow the introduction of new technology particle filter equipped diesel vehicles which should only use diesel fuel with a sulphur level not exceeding 50 ppm.

Current Situation

The 50 ppm low sulphur grade is now being marketed by an increasing number of oil companies in South Africa alongside the standard (500 ppm) grade. However, it remains a concern that, despite Government legislation, many filling stations still do not display legally prescribed labelling to indicate the maximum sulphur level of the diesel fuel on sale.

NAAMSA Advice

Where no sulphur level is indicated on the fuel pump, motorists should assume that the diesel is of the standard quality and not the low sulphur 50 ppm 'clean' grade as stipulated by an increasing number of vehicle manufacturers. ''Motorists must first look to the fuel pump sulphur level label rather than the plethora of marketing claims when choosing a quality diesel fuel" advises Stuart Rayner Chairman of NAAMSA's Fuel and Emissions Committee.

To assist motorists a list of fuel companies and filling stations supplying sub 50 ppm low sulphur diesel is maintained on the NAAMSA website. Refer www.naamsa.co.za/unleaded/diesel.htm

Further inquiries may be directed to the NAAMSA offices at 012 323 2980 or the Chairman of the Association’s Fuel and Emissions Committee, Mr Stuart Rayner, at 012 842 2438.

NAAMSA OFFICES: PRETORIA

29^th October, 2007

ATTACHMENT TO NAAMSA DIESEL FUEL QUALITY ADVISORY DATED 29TH OCTOBER, 2007

*Extracts from : Worldwide Fuel Charter 4th Edition

'Sulphur naturally occurs in crude oil. If the sulphur is not removed during the refining process it will contaminate vehicle fuel. Sulphur can have a significant effect on engine life. As sulphur level increases, relative engine life decreases'.

'Diesel fuel sulphur also contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM) emissions, through the formation of sulphates both in the exhaust stream and, later, in the atmosphere'.

'Sulphur can lead to corrosion and wear of engine systems. Furthermore the efficiency of some exhaust after-treatment systems is reduced as fuel sulphur content increases, while others are rendered permanently ineffective through sulphur poisoning'.

For more information the latest edition of the manufacturers Worldwide Fuel Charter is available at www.naamsa.co.za.

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