New labels on fuel pumps to show biofuel content

New labels detailing the content of biofuel in petrol and diesel will appear on the pumps on every forecourt and on the filler caps of all new vehicles, allowing motorists to see the blend of biofuel present.

Petrol, which contains up to five per cent renewable ethanol, will be labelled ‘E5’, while diesel, which contains up to seven per cent biodiesel, will be labelled as ‘B7’.

The labels will be accompanied by a wider public information campaign later this year.

Last year, the carbon dioxide (CO2) savings from using biofuels in road transport was equivalent to taking over a million cars off the UK’s roads.

A DfT spokesperson said: "These new labels will help drivers chose the right fuel for their vehicle, whilst also highlighting the use of biofuels in reducing the CO2 emissions from everyday road vehicles.

"Our Road to Zero strategy set out our ambition to end the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2040, while the ongoing decarbonising of traditional fuels will help during this transition."

These labels will be increasingly important as new fuels come onto the market. In 2018 the government issued a call for evidence on whether and how best to introduce E10, a petrol grade with up to 10 per cent renewable ethanol. A response to this will be published later in 2019.