Govt warns against fuel use

JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Mines and Energy has asked the public not to use a newly introduced unleaded gasoline in motorcycles and equipment using four-stroke engines.

Ministry spokesman Bangun Usman Harahap said Friday that the unleaded gasoline, Bensin Biru Dua Langkah (BBK-2L), was produced by the state oil and gas company Pertamina especially for motorbikes, three-wheeled bajaj, boats, and lawn mowers equipped with two-stroke engines.

The gasoline is detrimental to motorcycles and other equipment using four-stroke engines, Bangun said.

BBK-2L has an octane content of between 80 and 85, while four- stroke engines require a minimum of 88 octane content gasoline, Bangun explained.

BBK-2L was launched nationwide recently at Rp 600 (7 U.S. cents) per liter, Rp 100 cheaper than the widely used leaded gasoline. (jsk)