DOTr to DOE: Euro-2 diesel not environment-friendly

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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday opposed the directive of the Department of Energy (DOE) for oil companies to offer Euro-2 compliant diesel at fuel stations to give transport customers a cheaper fuel option amid the rising world market prices.

The DOTr said it finds the order “a retrogression that takes us several steps back when we should be moving forward.”

“The DO (Department Order) also runs counter to the Clean Air Act, which was enacted into law in 1999. The law mandates the sale of Euro-IV fuel for passenger and commercial vehicles in the country starting 2017, and Euro-IV compliant vehicles starting January 2018,” DOTr said in a statement.

It added that the potential savings motorists and consumers of the transport sector will gain from availing Euro-2 diesel do not even come close to its impact on public health, as well as economic losses as a result of pollution and its health-related consequences.

“The DOTr assures our commuters and motorists that we will not waver in the implementation of the PUV (Public Utility Vehicle) Modernization Program, wherein vehicles must at least be Euro-4 compliant,” DOTr noted.

The Energy department recently issued Memorandum Order No. 002018-08-0012, requiring oil companies to provide Euro 2 compliant automotive diesel oil to help reduce fuel prices.

“Pursuant to existing Philippine National Standards on Diesel Fuel Quality and in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 8479, otherwise known as the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law, Republic Act 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act and for the purpose of reducing the impact of rising petroleum prices in the world market, all industry players are hereby directed to provide at the retail level Euro 2-compliant automotive diesel oil as a fuel option for the transport and industrial customers,” the MO stated.