Hurricane Harvey sees E15 return early

A quirk in US federal gasoline volatility regulations means E15 sales to non-flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are usually halted from 1 June to 15 September. However, Hurricane Harvey means E15 sales have returned earlier than usual.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) reports that in response to gasoline supply shortfalls and price hikes resulting from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took emergency action to authorise the sale of E15 to all 2001 and newer vehicles regardless of fuel volatility.

EPA's emergency measures mean that the normal regulations for the sale of E15 non-FFVs came into effect from 31 August.

“Iowans feeling the pinch of higher gasoline prices can save 5 to 10 cents per gallon by finding an E15 retailer near them,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw. “Those with FFVs can really save money by choosing E85.”

The most commonly used fuel in the US, according to IRFA, is E10, a blend containing 10% ethanol. E15 ups the ethanol blend to 15% and is sold at a 5 to 10% discount per gallon compared to E10. It is also a higher octane fuel, meaning it improves vehicle performance.

E85 contains an 85% ethanol fuel blend, and should only be used in FFVs.

“This is not the first time weather has severely impacted the Gulf Coast petroleum industry and caused economic pain to ripple across the country,” Shaw continued.

“This is, however, the first time EPA has taken action to allow ethanol to help expand fuel supplies and provide extra relief for motorists. President Trump and the EPA deserve credit for taking this common sense step. The ethanol industry is ready, willing, and – most importantly – able to help.”

IRFA represents Iowa’s liquid renewable fuels industry, working to ‘foster its growth’. Iowa is the US’ leading renewable fuels producer, with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually, and 12 biodiesel facilities capable of producing over 380 million gallons annually.