Motor vehicle manufacturers from around the globe are calling for sulfur-free fuels in the revised World-Wide Fuel Charter that was recently released. The call for sulfur-free gasoline and diesel fuel (max. 5-10 ppm) is a response to emerging requirements for more stringent vehicle-emission controls and reduced fuel consumption. Regulatory changes and new technology demands placed on automakers in Asia, Europe, and North America will require substantially cleaner fuels than those which are currently widely available. Countries that have achieved or are moving toward the goal of sulfur-free fuels:
- Japan has had sulfur-free premium gasoline for many years.
- Sweden has had sulfur-free diesel fuel for more than a decade.
- Germany will introduce tax incentives for sulfur-free fuels (max. 10 ppm) by 2003.
- In the U. S. one-third of the gasoline pool in California is below 10 ppm sulfur, and officials are considering regulatory action to obtain ultra-low sulfur levels statewide. U.S. federal officials are expected to reduce sulfur in diesel fuel to ultra-low levels by 2006.
