Sweden’s petrol plan ‘setback for environment’ say critics

A gas station in Sundsvall, a town in eastern Sweden. (iStock)
A gas station in Sundsvall, a town in eastern Sweden. (iStock)
The Swedish government wants to relax rules for what fuels gas stations must sell in an effort to keep more businesses afloat.

From August 1, only half of the nation’s gas stations will have to sell environmentally friendly fuels like ethanol.

The country’s 2,800 fuelling stations are currently required by law to sell environmentally-friendly alternatives to gasoline, something that is a steep investment with a low return for some businesses in rural areas. Only those selling less than a thousand cubic meters of gas a year are exempt.

Industry Minister Annie Lööf told Swedish Radio News that the change would protect small businesses out in the Swedish countryside.

Svante Axelsson, secretary general for the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, believes the proposal is a setback for the environment.

“This is another step toward giving up the ethanol initiative,” said Axelsson. “The sign is that they do not seem to want ethanol in Sweden.”

Related Links:

Finland:  Radical road tax changes proposed, Yle News

Sweden:  Weak sales of electric cars and hybrids in Sweden, Radio Sweden

Radio Sweden

For more news from Sweden visit Radio Sweden.

Do you want to report an error or a typo? Click here!

Leave a Reply

Note: By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that Radio Canada International has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Radio Canada International does not endorse any of the views posted. Your comments will be pre-moderated and published if they meet netiquette guidelines.
Netiquette »

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *