Review of Permitted Sulphur Levels Beyond 2006
From February 2001 to May 2002, the Ministry led a review of the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations considering consumer, industry, health, safety, environmental, and quality issues when developing recommendations for petrol and diesel that are appropriate for New Zealand. Recommendations from the Review were incorporated into the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations 2002, which came into effect on 1 September 2002.
The Regulations introduced a number of changes to petrol and diesel specifications. In particular they provided for a series of reductions in sulphur levels in both petrol and diesel, the last of which come into force on 1 January 2006. Further reductions in sulphur levels were indicated in the Regulations but no definite dates or levels were provided.
On 31 May 2005 the Ministry released a discussion paper concerning the introduction of lower sulphur levels in both diesel and petrol beyond 2006. Submissions closed on 30 June 2005.
A more technical review of some other properties in the Petroleum Product Specifications Regulations 2002 was undertaken in 2006. A discussion paper was released to stakeholders in February 2006.
As a result of these reviews, the Associate Minister of Energy announced some changes to the Regulations on 3 August 2006.
Back to Top