Press Release: Commission welcomes the mandatory introduction of sulphur-free petrol and diesel

The European Commission welcomed the Environment Council's political agreement on 12 December 2001 on the Proposal to introduce sulphur-free petrol and diesel in every Member State from 1 January 2005. From 1 January 2009, the use of sulphur-free petrol will be mandatory. It is envisaged that sulphur-free diesel fuel will also become mandatory from that date although this will be confirmed subsequent to a review by the Commission to be completed no later than 31 December 2005.