BP close to canning petrol sniffing

One of the country's major fuel producers says it is close to developing a petrol which will not intoxicate sniffers.

If successful the product could eliminate the problems associated with petrol sniffing in remote Aboriginal communities.

BP has confirmed it is on the verge of developing unleaded petrol without intoxicating qualities.

Avgas is used in many Indigenous communities and has been useful in deterring petrol sniffing, but it contains lead and is harmful to the environment.

BP has refused to talk about its new product but in a statement it says it expects a final assessment to be completed by mid-December.

The fuel producer says when the new fuel is available, communities will be able to switch to it without disruption.

It is expected the new product will be sold in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia in January, before being sold across the country later next year.

Newshawk: http://www.tuf.org.au
Pubdate: 15th October 2004
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation News Online
Url: http://www.abc.net.au
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Copyright: 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation