Issue Date:  -  Monday, 15 January 2001

Fuel samples pass random toluene tests

Ministry of Fair Trading tests of fuel samples from three metropolitan service stations have come up clean in a random check during December for excessive toluene.

The checks are part of the Ministry's ongoing commitment to monitor the composition of fuel in WA, after eastern states retailers were caught last February adding excessive amounts of the additive toluene to fuel.

In some cases, levels in NSW were as high as 60% with percentages over 30% likely to cause engine damage. There is no mandatory standard for fuel composition, however the industry accepts 20% as a maximum level for toluene. Analysis by the WA Chemistry Centre showed toluene percentages in fuel from the three unnamed WA stations were as follows:

Landsdale 10.0%
Lathlain 6.0%
East Fremantle 6.7%

Tests in March last year yielded similar results, with the highest test result of 15.6% from fuel sold at a Forrestfield station.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said tests had also been carried out recently after a consumer alleged a northern suburbs station was selling unleaded fuel as premium unleaded.

However, in this case, there was no evidence that substitution was taking place.

Mr Walker said the Ministry would continue to carry out random checks to ensure consumers were getting what they were paying for.

Consumers wanting advice on fair trading matters can ring the Fair Trading Call Centre on 1300 30 40 54 during normal business hours. Last year the Call Centre helped more than 170,000 West Australians.