The decision by Alice Springs service stations to replace regular unleaded with Opal fuel has been welcomed by Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

The Australian Government has released information stating that Opal fuel is completely safe for use in cars manufactured after 1986, where pre-86 models will still have access to premium unleaded fuel in Alice Springs.

It is envisaged that the total rollout of Opal fuel in all service stations will help reduce the incidence of petrol sniffing in Alice Springs and surrounding communities.

Opal is a safe, non-sniffable, unleaded fuel. It meets Australian fuel standards and has an octane rating of 91 – the same as regular unleaded fuel, although it looks and smells a little different to regular unleaded.

Mayor Kilgariff said despite some reports last year about the performance of Opal in some vehicles, she was not concerned about its impact on cars.

“I understand that extensive testing has been undertaken by BP, which has been verified by independent consultant Intertek, that has confirmed the safety of Opal for cars manufactured after 1986,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

Alice Springs Town Council has used only Opal in its unleaded vehicles since it first became available in May 2006.

“It is also the case that we have used Opal exclusively in council vehicles that run on unleaded fuel without a single problem,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff

“It is a safe, reliable and un-sniffable fuel. Council made the decision in May last year to make the change and our vehicles have been running on Opal ever since,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

Alice Springs Town Council has long been a supporter of Opal, writing to Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott in 2005 urging him to introduce Opal into Alice Springs.

For further information contact:

Mayor Fran Kilgariff (08) 8950 0525 or 0419 376 060

ASTC Chief Executive Officer Rex Mooney (08) 8950 0525 or 0427 161 956

ASTC Media Officer Fionn Muster (08) 8950 0546 or 0417 884 449