Biodiesel on sale at some petrol stations

Biodiesel, produced from vegetable oils and fats by the EORC Group, is now available at petrol stations in Ghaxaq, Kappara, Luqa, Marsa, Mellieha, Rabat and Sta Venera.

EORC's director Pippo Psaila said that in line with its marketing strategy, the EORC Group will over the next few months be enhancing its strategy to make biodiesel available in all petrol stations in Malta and Gozo.

Mr Psaila said that so far this year, EORC has surpassed the 2005 sales figures by some 10 per cent.

He described the availability of biodiesel at petrol stations in Malta as a breakthrough and good news for consumers as well as Malta's environmental policy.

"Biodiesel is not only good for the environment but even more important it is good for the vehicles since it helps restore the lubricant properties of diesel which in low sulphur diesel could be the cause of major problems.

"Biodiesel has excellent lubricant properties, improves engine performance and above all is environmentally friendly", he said. He added that it was important to source the product from reputable companies who can guarantee that the product conforms with the approved product specifications EN 14214.

This would ensure that the product is of a high standard which is critical for retailers and heavy users.

Biodiesel is a clean burning fuel produced from vegetable oils and fats which in the majority EORC sources locally.

To produce biodiesel EORC is using waste oils and fats which would otherwise have been disposed of in the waste stream causing an environmental hazard costing the country hundreds of thousands of liri to clean up and dispose of, he said. 

Mr Psaila added that the government has been very sympathetic to these changes in fuel usage and has provided incentives to industry in various ways, the latest of which is the green procurement policy announced last week. Green procurement is intended to reduce the use of natural resources and reduce pollution.