10% ethanol in gas

I just noticed recently that most (if not all) Shell stations have a notice that their gas contains 10% ethanol.
Even Costco is doing the ethanol mix.
Why are they doing that? Has some law passed recently?
Exxon doesn't have ethanol.

Since ethanol has less energy/volume, how much of a price differential should be expect from Shell compared with Exxon, all things being equal?

Exxons by me have Ethanol. Only one that doesn't is a Phillips 66 and they advertise on their billboard that they sell Sugar-Free gas. They also charge about 10 cents more per gallon.

Any retailer using ethanol must clearly mark pumps.

Ethanol gives those stations an opportunity to sell fuel at a lower cost; they make up the money in vol.

There is a federal blending requirement, and various states have a blending requirement.

The government is here to help you.

Originally Posted by Boile

I just noticed recently that most (if not all) Shell stations have a notice that their gas contains 10% ethanol.
Even Costco is doing the ethanol mix.
Why are they doing that? Has some law passed recently?
Exxon doesn't have ethanol.

Since ethanol has less energy/volume, how much of a price differential should be expect from Shell compared with Exxon, all things being equal?

Uhhh...you are just noticing this?

Where are you filling up?

Been common practice here in Fla (and I thought, country-wide in the USA) since Jul 2008. This corresponded with a dip in my average MPG from approximately 24.7 to 22.2 (running average of 5 tankfuls.)

Local Costco still has Ethanol gas, in fact just about everywhere. There is some rumor Marathon stations do not have Ethanol, but I'm danged if I can find 100% gasoline anywhere in Orlando.

They have been doing this in Reno seasonally for years. They begin in the fall and continue through winter. Reno has a weather inversion and the attempt is to reduce air pollution in the valley. I have noticed that my gas mileage decreases with the 10% ethanol mix.

Originally Posted by Boile

Why are they doing that?

Corn Lobby. ( Just might get this thread moved to poly sci)

California may be moving away from requiring Ethanol -->

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...8&postcount=10

Every pump in my state has "May Contain Up To 10% Ethanol".

Originally Posted by dlmpsy

Every pump in my state has "May Contain Up To 10% Ethanol".

+1. Last year there was a hold-out Texaco in the neighbouring town, but even they went the 10% Ethanol route as well when I checked this past spring.

I've heard "rumors" that ethanol is hard on fuel pumps, hoses, etc. in older cars that weren't designed for blended gas...who knows, but I don't have a choice. I've not heard of an additive to negate any potential negative effects. I would probably use such a product if it was available since I don't drive my car very much.

Originally Posted by dlmpsy

I've heard "rumors" that ethanol is hard on fuel pumps, hoses, etc. in older cars that weren't designed for blended gas...who knows, but I don't have a choice.

How old is your car? Compatibility with 10% ethanol has been a federal requirement for quite some time. I think it was 1982 for cars sold in the US.

It's a '90, so I should be OK. That makes me feel better. My mechanic once said something about the fuel pumps and ethanol, so I was a little concerned.

Buy a car that runs on diesel. Diesel packs more energy content than gasoline, and way more energy content than gasoline watered down with ethanol. More power, better mileage, and fewer emissions.

Originally Posted by milobloom242

Buy a car that runs on diesel. Diesel packs more energy content than gasoline, and way more energy content than gasoline watered down with ethanol. More power, better mileage, and fewer emissions.

For now, they are starting to crack down on diesel emissions.
I agree with you though get a 2004 or newer diesel and be amazed at its power and mileage.
Some of the older stuff has good power as well but they seemed to make some incredible advances mid decade.

Depends on where you live. All gas here in Dallas has some ethanol as required by law. Head out into the boonies and it isn't required.

Originally Posted by MattieB

Depends on where you live. All gas here in Dallas has some ethanol as required by law. Head out into the boonies and it isn't required.

That's 10%, not "some" as you stated...for the Dallas/Ft Worth area.

In case you guys missed this post:

The EPA wants to put a time bomb in America's gas tanks
MCT News Service
October 29, 2009
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. The federal Environmental Protection Agency is considering requiring use of a blend of ethanol and gasoline known as "E15." This is a risky measure that threatens to damage our car engines and saddle car companies with soaring warranty costs.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=404932&page=2

Originally Posted by HugH

That's 10%, not "some" as you stated...for the Dallas/Ft Worth area.

In case you guys missed this post:

The EPA wants to put a time bomb in America's gas tanks
MCT News Service
October 29, 2009
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. The federal Environmental Protection Agency is considering requiring use of a blend of ethanol and gasoline known as "E15." This is a risky measure that threatens to damage our car engines and saddle car companies with soaring warranty costs.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=404932&page=2

I want regular fuel. Bad enough California only gets 91 Octane fuel

I bought non eth gas this weekend in Auburn Alabama.....ma and pa gas station on the campus.

Originally Posted by stylinexpat

I want regular fuel. Bad enough California only gets 91 Octane fuel

Why don't they have 93 octane?

Update: I just checked and all gas stations in my area now has 10% ethanol.
Don't know if that's a winter mix only, or it's a permanent change.

nothing but e10 gasohol around me. i periodically run some 100% IPA through the tank to clear out moisture (and for storage).

Where are you buying IPA??

Originally Posted by Third Coast

Where are you buying IPA??

laboratory supply store. I used to get >99.x% at wal-mart, but I haven't seen it for a while. if you can't find a good store, I think the "iso-heet" product they have a pep boys/ autozone would be as good.