WRITTEN QUESTION E-1058/00

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: Exemptions from the ban on leaded petrol

The fuels directive which came into effect in October 1998 lays down strict limits for the sulphur content of both petrol and diesel motor fuels. In that directive it was also decided to abandon the use of leaded petrol. The time limit for the use of leaded petrol expired at the end of last year, but France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece were granted an extension for the use of leaded and high-sulphur fuels.

Why did the Commission support the continued use of leaded petrol in these countries, even though it is widely known that lead in fuels can easily be replaced by other less polluting additives?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2000)

The Commission considered carefully the requests for derogation to continue the marketing of leaded petrol from the Member States in question. In coming to its decisions the Commission was well aware of the technical alternatives to leaded petrol. However, it became equally clear that considerable consumer uncertainty would have resulted in these Member States if derogations had not been granted and that this could have given rise to widespread disruption. The Commission thus concluded that the derogation periods granted were necessary to allow the authorities in the Member States to inform consumers accurately on this topic and to implement the necessary measures to ensure a smooth transition to unleaded petrol.