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Further hiccups in alcohol blend
FUEL
MAJOR oil groups are again challenging Sasol's attempt to force the controversial alcohol/petrol blend on motorists, in spite of a joint acceptance between the oil-from-coal producer and motor manufacturers regarding its compatibility with fuel systems. Oil industry majors such as Shell, BP, Caltex and Engen will not accept the new blend until "major technical problems" have been resolved. The new blend was due to be introduced into leaded petrol areas in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, northern Free State and North West - an area which consumes almost half of the country's fuel - on December 1. Opposition by oil refineries seems set to postpone the introductory date past the new deadline of February 1. An industry source says technical problems such as paint staining on cars after a fuel refill, as well as problems with underground piping at petrol depots still need to be resolved.
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