US Removes Ethanol Fuel Sales Regulations to Ensure Supply

New York (ANTARA) - The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on Wednesday (25/3), revoked regulations on ethanol fuel sales during the summer to curb high oil price pressures on US consumers. The EPA issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15, which is petrol blended with 15 percent ethanol, and to eliminate all federal barriers to the sale of E10, petrol containing 10 percent ethanol. According to an official EPA statement, the policy will take effect on 1 May and, in the initial phase, will be implemented until 20 May. “This emergency action will provide relief to American families by increasing fuel supply and consumer choices,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Ethanol fuel sales are generally not permitted from 1 May to 15 September because ethanol-blended fuel does not meet petrol volatility requirements. The US-Israel war against Iran has caused a surge in international oil prices in March, burdening US consumers. The national average retail price for regular petrol in the US reached $3.983 (one US dollar is approximately Rp16,905) per gallon on Wednesday (25/3), jumping more than 33 percent compared to a month earlier, according to data released by the American Automobile Association.