FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 23, 2012

CONTACT:  David Pfahler, Director, Office of Weights and Measures, 605.773.3178

   State Requests Voluntary Caution Labels on 85 Octane Gasoline

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is asking gasoline retailers to post cautionary labels that advise vehicle owners to check their owners’ manuals before purchasing 85 octane fuel.

The warning labels are a voluntary step being taken as the Department considers a rule change to require a warning label for 85 octane fuel. The recommended label will read:

 “This octane level may not meet minimum manufacturer specifications.  Consult your owner's manual before fueling."

A recent review of state laws and rules by the Department’s Office of Weights and Measures concluded that the sale of 85 octane gasoline is illegal anywhere in South Dakota.

Following that review, and after discussions with representatives of the petroleum industry, it was decided that due to possible supply shortages during the summer travel season, 85 octane will be made available with proper cautionary labeling, pending the adoption of rules to clarify the status of 85 octane in South Dakota. The proposed rules will also specify the labeling required to ensure that consumers know the product may not meet the manufacturer’s minimum fuel standards for their vehicle.

Vehicle manufacturers’ groups do not support the sale of 85 octane gasoline and most engines are designed to run on a minimum of 87 octane gasoline. 

The Office of Weights and Measures will follow a rule-making process that includes public notice of the proposed rules and public hearings to allow interested persons to have input before the rules are adopted.  A draft copy of the proposed rules will be made public soon.

The 85 octane issue is unrelated to E-85, a reference to a motor fuel that contains a blend of gasoline and up to 85 percent ethanol.

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