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Ontario's Sulphur-in-Gasoline Reporting Regulation

FAQ

How does sulphur in gasoline harm the environment?

The combustion processes in a standard automotive engine turn the sulphur contained in gasoline into sulphur dioxide (SO2), which goes out the tail pipe and into the air every time you drive your car. SO2 is a key contributor to smog and acid rain.

Is sulphur in gasoline really a big air quality issue?

Sulphur in gasoline accounts for one to two per cent of the total sulphur emissions that go into Ontario's air. While its province-wide contribution is small, sulphur in gas is a significant concern for human health in urban areas, where most gasoline-based emissions occur.

What other sulphur emission sources are there in Ontario?

Significant emitters of sulphur dioxide are non-ferrous smelters, coal-fired power stations and petroleum refineries.

What does Ontario's new sulphur-in-gas reporting regulation do?

In a nutshell, the new regulation requires Ontario gasoline manufacturers, blenders and importers to provide the government with the average level of sulphur in their gasoline within 45 days after each calendar quarter has ended.

Why did Ontario bring in this regulation?

Ontario's reporting regulation aims to inform Ontarians of the significance of sulphur in gas as an air quality issue and to make public the sulphur levels of gasoline sold in Ontario.

How do I choose the lowest-sulphur gasoline when I fill up my vehicle?

The information provided by Ontario's new sulphur-in-gas regulation is not a precise shopping guide. The sulphur levels reported are based on refinery data, which may not reflect the actual sulphur level of the gasoline you are putting into your tank.

Will lower-sulphur gasoline lead to improved engine performance?

Yes. According to motor vehicle manufacturers, your car will run more efficiently, last longer and pollute less when running on lower-sulphur gasoline.

Will refiners raise their gas prices because of Ontario's new regulation?

Ontario's new sulphur-in-gas reporting regulation will have minimal impact on gasoline prices. Any increase in the retail price of gasoline will occur as a result of refiners' investments in technologies to stay within federally-regulated sulphur limits.

How long will Ontario's reporting regulation stay in effect?

Ontario's regulation will sunset on December 31, 2004, when a federally-regulated 30 ppm sulphur limit for gasoline becomes law on January 1, 2005.