The Editor, Sir:

While I recognise the need to move away from fossil fuels to something that is more environmentally friendly and cost effective for the country as a whole, it is important that in our rush to 'go green' we do not accidentally or otherwise disenfranchise one group through a lack of proper research.

When the thrust to convert to E10 fuel commenced, I was under the impression that service stations would have been asked to continue selling regular 87 and 90 while introducing the E10 blend, a move that would give motorists the opportunity to experiment with the new blend while still having access to the current regular 87, and at the same time being able to ensure themselves that their motor vehicles are able to use the E10.

Pitfalls

Instead, as it stands, most of the stations that have converted, have opted to carry only E10 and regular 90, and stop carrying the old 87. Since the start of the E10 thrust, several articles have been published in both newspapers, and on the internet, indicating some of the pitfalls and precautions to be taken when using E10 or indeed any ethanol blended fuel. prominent in this has been lists of vehicles which should not use the ethanol blends due to the age of the vehicle or the sophistication of the engine.

My very unscientific method of just observing our rolling stock suggests that possibly close to 40 per cent of the vehicles on our roads today fall into the category of those unable to use the E10, and, indeed, run the risk of severe damage to their engines if it is used, or incur a higher unnecessary cost by moving up to the higher-grade 90 fuel when regular 87 is no longer offered.

Duty concessions

I am suggesting that while the cost to the country of continuing the use of fossil fuels is high, we would be better served if the Government granted duty concessions to persons who wish to import flex fuel ready vehicles, so as to bring down the cost and by extension encourage them to change out the old vehicles for more fuel efficient units. It is pointless to talk about going green while the cost of the 'green' vehicles is out of the reach of the average consumer.

On another note, the pricing and advertising policy of several service stations leaves a lot to be desired: although E10 should be approximately $2 cheaper than regular 87, I have seen cases where a station purportedly selling E10 is doing so at the same price as a station just across the street that is selling regular 87. This leads me to one of two conclusions: either the station claiming to sell E10 is not actually doing so, or they are not passing on the cost savings to the consumers. Either way they are not being fair to consumers.

Minister Mullings we need some clarity on these issues!

I am, etc.,

DEAN C. WIGGAN

wiggy_dw@hotmail.com