CPC starts E3 sales in Kaohsiung

The state-run Chinese Petroleum Corp. (CPC), Taiwan launched sales of environmental friendly E3 (a 3% ethanol-97% gasoline blend) fuel for motorists in southern Kaohsiung City, with an incentive of shaving prices by NT$2 (US$0.06) per gallon below the price tag of conventional gasoline. CPC President Chu Shao-hua personally started service at the five gas stations directly operated by the company in the largest city in southern Taiwan. Chu said CPC decided to support the policies of the Environmental Protection Administration and the Bureau of Energy under the Ministry of Economic Affairs to promote cleaner fuels as well as to conserve energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, although the company is selling the product below production costs. This makes Kaohsiung the second major metropolis in Taiwan, after Taipei to offer E3 at eight CPC gas stations, to offer the product. (July 30, 2009)