The Truck Manufacturers Association, Inc. (TMA) said that the Department of Energy’s (DOE) authorization of temporary importing Euro 2 fuels must be “undertaken with utmost caution.” The organization is also urging the government to release clear guidelines, proper safeguards, and comprehensive public information.
The DOE has approved the use of Euro 2 fuels to ensure an adequate fuel supply. The DOE states that the ongoing tension in the Middle East, which has been affecting global petroleum markets, prompted the agency to green-light the adoption of temporary regulatory measures. This move gives the transport and industry sector access to a wider range of petroleum products, according to the DOE.
The TMA clarified that it is supporting the initiative launched by the DOE. However, the organization expressed its concern and leans on the cautious side when it comes to introducing Euro 2 fuels in the country amid current global supply challenges. The reason for this is that modern vehicles, particularly those with Euro 4-compliant engines, are designed with advanced fuel systems and emission control technologies that are highly sensitive to fuel quality.
To put things in perspective, Euro 2 fuels are essentially the dirtier fuel as compared to Euro 4. Euro 2 is considered dirtier fuel since it contains more sulfur, which is at 500 parts per million (ppm). With that in mind, Euro 2 emits more smoke and pollution. Euro 4 fuels, on the other hand, are the cleaner option compared to Euro 2 since they contain less sulfur, which is at 50 ppm. Euro 4 fuels make less smoke, and it is considered the better or cleaner option.
As such, the TMA is calling for the government to produce clear and accessible information to be made available to the public on how to determine vehicle compatibility, including distinctions between Euro 2 and Euro 4 compliant engines. In this regard, the DOE stated that the use of Euro 2 fuels is limited to the following:
– All in-use vehicle models from 2015 and earlier, including but not limited to cars, motorcycles, buses, etc.
– Traditional jeepneys
– Industrial use, such as, but not limited to, power plants, generators, etc.
– Marine and shipping industry
The DOE is also requiring fuel station attendants to inform the vehicle owner of the advisory before proceeding with dispensing Euro 2 and Euro 4 fuels. The DOE is also requiring fuel stations to have a dedicated storage tank for Euro 2 and Euro 4 fuels, while also having a dedicated dispensing pump for Euro 2 and Euro 4 fuels.
Autocar’s Take
The DOE’s move to temporarily make Euro 2 fuels available in the market is due to the extraordinary circumstances brought about by the ongoing tension in the Middle East. The logical thing to say here is that cheaper fuel doesn’t mean better fuel, which is the case with the Euro 2 and Euro 4 fuels. But then again, we’re in the middle of an oil crisis, and sometimes we need to make do with what we have, and hope that the main characters in the Middle East conflict come to terms sooner rather than later.
Vehicle owners should also take note that not all vehicles are compatible with Euro 2. This is especially the case if you own a modern car that’s equipped with an engine designed for Euro 4 fuels. If you use Euro 2 fuel on a Euro 4 engine, it could damage parts such as the sensors, as well as result in adverse effects on engine performance, durability, and emissions systems.
