WIESBADEN, Germany — A change is on the way for exchange gasoline customers in Germany. Currently all gasoline sold in Germany, including exchange facilities in Germany, contains up to 5 percent ethanol, also known as E5 fuel.
In compliance with a German law amending the German Federal Pollution Control Act, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is required to add another type of gasoline to its facilities in Germany. This new formula will be designated as Super E10, which contains up to 10 percent ethanol.
While all makes and models of gasoline-fueled automobiles are able to use E5 gasoline, there are some automobiles which can’t use E10 gasoline.
According to Ruth Wagner, the exchange-Europe ESSO fuel card manager, “Customers must check with their car manual or manufacturer to determine if 10 percent ethanol gasoline is safe to use in their car.” Both exchange and ESSO gas stations in Germany will clearly label their pumps dispensing E10 fuel.
Some ESSO stations have already started selling E10, and customers can purchase it using their Germany fuel ration card.
All exchange gas stations in Germany plan to offer Super E10 starting early February and most will continue to offer E5 gasoline in the grades of super and super plus where possible.
The price for super E10 will be based on the current weekly U.S. Department of Energy average price of regular fuel, plus incremental costs associated with providing gasoline overseas.