Opal® - Good for cars, No good for sniffing:
Petrol sniffing is a serious issue for many remote Indigenous communities around Australia, resulting in death and permanent disability, particularly amongst young people
Previously, BP was selling a fuel known as Comgas (a re-brand of Avgas), which was found to be useful in mitigating petrol sniffing. Comgas had very low levels of aromatics, which are what give the ‘high’ when sniffed. However, Comgas contained lead and was therefore not viewed as a sustainable solution by BP.
BP investigated whether a new fuel option could be developed to reduce petrol sniffing. Refinery staff from BP’s Kwinana Refinery developed a new unleaded fuel that met the specification of being both low in aromatics to discourage people sniffing, and suitable for use in motor vehicles and two-stroke engines requiring unleaded fuel.
BP investigated whether a new fuel option could be developed to reduce petrol sniffing. Refinery staff from BP’s Kwinana Refinery developed a new unleaded fuel that met the specification of being both low in aromatics to discourage people sniffing, and suitable for use in motor vehicles and two-stroke engines requiring unleaded fuel.
What is Opal®fuel?
Opal fuel does not give a 'high' when sniffed and, because it is unleaded, it is better for the environment than Comgas which is a leaded petrol. By removing the lead component, there are no corrosive products to damage engines and exhaust systems, meaning it is also better for engines..The resulting product was subjected to stringent performance, environmental, and toxicological assessment, before being released to the market. The first of its kind in the marketplace, Opal fuel has been available in some communities since January 2005.
BP is continuing to act with the Federal Government and community groups to address petrol sniffing, as it is only one part of the solution to petrol sniffing. Anecdotal reports suggest that Opal fuel has either lessened or significantly reduced petrol sniffing. BP is working alongside the Federal Government, who have funded an independent evaluation to check the impact of Opal fuel on communities over time.
Although Opal won't provide the 'high' associated with sniffing regular unleaded petrol, it is a volatile substance and inhalation may have serious health effects. In extreme cases inhalation can cause suffocation and death.
Further information:
Name: BP Lubricants & Fuels Technical Helpline
8:30 am to 5pm EST
Phone: 1300 139 700
