Govt to phase out leaded fuel
Aug 13, 2005
THE Government has launched a programme to promote importation of unleaded fuel and phase out the leaded one by December 31, energy state minister, Michael Werikhe, has said.
By Emmy Olaki
THE Government has launched a programme to promote importation of unleaded fuel and phase out the leaded one by December 31, energy state minister, Michael Werikhe, has said.
During a press conference on Thursday, Werikhe said research has established that lead is a health hazard to humans and the environment because it retards body and brain growth.
“It causes metabolic, neurological and developmental damage to the body. It also damages catalytic converters, which are supposed to clean vehicle exhaust gas emissions,†he said.
Until recently, lead had been used in fuels at the refinery stage to improve the octane rating. Octane ratings improve engine endurance.
Lead was also used to provide lubrication to older engines.
Last year, Shell Uganda introduced unleaded fuel into the country.
Werikhe said modern refineries had developed alternative ways of enhancing octane ratings in gasoline without using the lead.
“They produce unleaded gasoline. Also, modern engines are made of resistant materials, which do not require lead for lubrication. It is necessary to remove the gasoline. Unleaded gasoline is cheaper than its leaded counterpart,†he said.
Werikhe said the Government had held meetings with oil companies and discussed the phasing out of the fuel.
He said the ministry had formed a committee of all stakeholders in the energy/oil industry, to spearhead the programme.
Ends
THE Government has launched a programme to promote importation of unleaded fuel and phase out the leaded one by December 31, energy state minister, Michael Werikhe, has said.
During a press conference on Thursday, Werikhe said research has established that lead is a health hazard to humans and the environment because it retards body and brain growth.
“It causes metabolic, neurological and developmental damage to the body. It also damages catalytic converters, which are supposed to clean vehicle exhaust gas emissions,†he said.
Until recently, lead had been used in fuels at the refinery stage to improve the octane rating. Octane ratings improve engine endurance.
Lead was also used to provide lubrication to older engines.
Last year, Shell Uganda introduced unleaded fuel into the country.
Werikhe said modern refineries had developed alternative ways of enhancing octane ratings in gasoline without using the lead.
“They produce unleaded gasoline. Also, modern engines are made of resistant materials, which do not require lead for lubrication. It is necessary to remove the gasoline. Unleaded gasoline is cheaper than its leaded counterpart,†he said.
Werikhe said the Government had held meetings with oil companies and discussed the phasing out of the fuel.
He said the ministry had formed a committee of all stakeholders in the energy/oil industry, to spearhead the programme.
Ends