Simple terms explainer

Local authorities have the power to ensure that motor fuels sold to consumers meet legal standards for both fuel composition and labelling. Through Trading Standards, local authorities may inspect fuel forecourts to check that petrol and diesel meet required quality specifications, including legally prescribed limits or percentages of ethanol or biodiesel. Local authorities may also check that fuel pumps and nozzles are correctly and clearly labelled, showing the correct identifiers for petrol‑type, diesel‑type and alternative fuels (such as E10 or B7). Local authorities can take fuel samples for testing and take enforcement action where fuels are misrepresented or fail to comply.