Prepare for E10 becoming the standard petrol in Northern Ireland

Learn about switch the E10 petrol from November 2022 and use a checker to confirm whether your vehicle is compatible with E10

From Tuesday 1 November 2022 motorists across Northern Ireland will start to see the standard petrol grade become E10. E10 contains up to 10 per cent renewable ethanol, which will help to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with petrol vehicles and tackle climate change.

E10 is the standard grade petrol available at almost all petrol stations across Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). This move will bring NI into line with GB.

Petrol stations that offer 2 grades of petrol will stock E10 (95 octane) and E5 (97+ octane) petrol. E5 (97+ octane petrol with no more than 5 per cent renewable ethanol), however, will remain available at filling stations that sell 2 grades of petrol. Some rural, remote or very small filling stations may sell only either E5 or E10 petrol as standard.

The change in fuel applies to petrol only. Diesel fuel will not be changing.

Petrol pumps will clearly label petrol as either E10 or E5.

Check your vehicle is compatible with E10 petrol

Almost all (95 per cent) petrol-powered vehicles on the road today can use E10 petrol and all cars built since 2011 are compatible. If your petrol vehicle or equipment is not compatible with E10 fuel, you will still be able to use E5 by purchasing the ‘super’ grade (97+ octane) petrol from most filling stations.

You can check if your car, motorbike or moped can use E10 petrol by using the E10 vehicle checker.

Check your vehicle now

What to do if your vehicle is not compatible with E10 petrol

Continue to use E5 petrol in the ‘super’ grade (97+ octane), which will remain available at many larger filling stations. Make sure you check the label before you fill up.

Boats, aircraft and other petrol-powered equipment

Some other petrol-powered equipment may not be compatible with E10 petrol including:

• boats
• petrol-powered garden equipment or machinery, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws

Owners and operators should check their manual or ask the manufacturer or dealer before using E10.

Owners of light aircraft that currently use E5 petrol known as MOGAS should continue to use E5 petrol unless expressly approved by their manufacturer or regulating body.

Find out more about the switch to E10 petrol.

First published 30 August 2022