Energy and transport policies in the last century were dominated by a dependence on petroleum products and this will continue for the foreseeable future. However, within this scenario, fuel specifications are changing continuously to meet increased governmental and societal demands for environmental and health protection, the requirements of new automotive technology and energy policy drivers. The worldwide development of fuel specifications to meet these needs has taken into account the different priorities and rate of progress of environmental, energy, transport and economic policies in the regions of the world. This paper will review the area of automotive fuel specifications as an illustration of the contribution of fuel products to environmental improvement and energy policy. The specification development processes currently used in various regions will be discussed along with the status of key world-wide fuel specification issues such as the removal of lead and sulphur and the use of oxygenates. Key outcomes and conclusions are identified. Looking to the future, the paper will identify driving forces for potential fuel quality changes. A preferred rational process for delivering fuel specifications is proposed together with the associated principles of clear objectives, a sound science basis and an integrated approach to identifying appropriate, cost-effective measures.
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