Ukraine Adopts Euro-5 Fuel Standard
On January 23, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reinstated the requirement for fuel quality to adhere to the Euro-5 environmental standard. Henceforth, the sale of Euro-3 and Euro-4 fuel at gas stations is prohibited
The Ukrainian Oil and Gas Association (UOGA) welcomes the Cabinet of Ministers’ decision, a move long-awaited by the civilized fuel market. Yaroslav Starovoytenko the President of UOGA commented, “This strategic decision will contribute to providing Ukrainian consumers with high-quality automobile gasoline and diesel fuel while preventing the sale of subpar petroleum products in the domestic market.”
Mr. Starovoytenko further explained, “The ban on selling petroleum products below Euro 5 has been in effect in Ukraine since January 2018. The Cabinet of Ministers’ decision to temporarily permit the circulation of ‘Euro-3’ and ‘Euro-4’ ecological standard fuels was a response to a temporary shortage of motor fuels at the onset of a full-scale invasion. Over the two years of full-scale war, the Ukrainian fuel market has reoriented itself to new sources and supply methods. The market is now saturated with European fuel that meets standards no lower than Euro 5. Thus, it is time to ensure Ukrainian motorists continue to purchase consistently high-quality fuel even after the full-scale invasion.”
The UOGA President also highlighted another crucial aspect, stating, “The primary difference between Euro 3 and Euro 4 fuel standards is the significantly higher sulfur content, which adversely affects modern car engines. This decision reflects a high standard of responsibility toward the Ukrainian consumer.”
| Sulfur content
mg/kg of substance |
Euro 3 | Euro 4 | Euro 5 |
| Gasoline | 150 mg/kg | 50 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
| Diesel | 350 mg/kg | 50 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
It’s important to note that the Technical Regulation requirements do not apply to fuel for the State’s defense needs.
Legal oil refineries have long been producing fuel meeting or exceeding the Euro 5 standard. The ban on Euro-3 and Euro-4 fuel serves as an additional measure to decriminalize the fuel production market.
The Ukrainian Oil and Gas Association is an industry association representing the interests of major players in the oil and gas market. Today, the Association includes the largest wholesale, retail and processing enterprises, representing national, international, private, and state businesses, such as WOG, OKKO, Shell, AMIC Ukraine, SOCAR, KLO, UPG, Parallel, Ukrnafta, and Ukrgazvydobuvannya. The association actively participates in developing the country’s legislative framework, monitoring and addressing industry issues, and collaborates with state authorities, private and state enterprises, industry and consumer associations, consulting agencies, and the media to implement and adhere to European service quality standards on the market while safeguarding the interests of its members.
