New EU Fuel Labelling for Road Vehicles

As of the 12th of October 2018, all fuel will be labelled uniformly throughout the EU countries. For a while, until this set implementation date, your petrol station will show both labels, to help you.

Link to explanatory leaflet in English

HERE

And in all other EU languages

HERE

CAB Spain has analised this information with an expert and it appears that the labels used might not be uniform. On the picture in the leaflet it shows varieties of octane 95 and octane 98 with either E5 or E10, so different percentage of ethanol and bio fuel. On another label it appears that both E5 and E10 have octane number 95. E85 is unclear.  Some older cars can get damaged by ethanol for example, so you´d best check with your dealer on what variety fuel to use.

The situation for diesel fuelled cars is also not clear, if there is no indication of the new fuel ID label on your vehicle  (inside of fuel filler flap/cap) or its paperwork, we suggest you contact your dealer for instructions as using the wrong one can result in serious damage to your engine.

The leaflets refer to the petrol stations for the correct labelling of the existing fuel varieties, to help you get used to the new labels, but we suggest to not make it their responsibility, as they cannot reasonably be held liable if your vehicle´s motor gets damaged.

We will add information on the kind of labels used in Spain, when they become available.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.