Source: A Gazeta - Cuiabá / MT - 02/09/2010

Next Tuesday (7), the deadline for gas stations to change the nomenclature from alcohol to ethanol in pumps, panels and other visual parts that refer to the product ends. The determination is provided for in Resolution No. 39/2009 of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), which was published in the Federal Official Gazette in December last year.

The new nomenclature applies to hydrated ethanol, used to supply flex-fuel vehicles or those powered exclusively by fuel, unlike anhydrous ethanol, which is mixed in 25% with gasoline and is not sold in pumps. The nomenclature “fuel hydrated ethyl alcohol” or “fuel hydrated ethanol” can only be used in tax documentation. This change has been claimed by the Union of the Sugarcane Industry (Unica), together with the ANP, since 2007.

According to the first secretary of the Union of Retail Trade in Oil Derivatives, Natural Gas and Biofuels of Mato Grosso (Sindipetróleo), Bruno Borges, the change will not cause major increases in cost for businessmen in the segment. He points out that the measure has already been adopted by posts in Mato Grosso. Borges adds that the determination aims to standardize the nomenclature worldwide. "Gradually consumers should get used to changing from alcohol to ethanol".

He warns that resellers that do not comply with the resolution, when they are inspected by the ANP, may suffer penalties. According to Sindipetroleo-MT, there are about 800 gas stations in the State, of these, approximately 200 are in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande. Borges also adds that another significant change for the segment is the telephone number for complaints in case of suspected fuel adulteration. The new number is 0800-970-0267.

Specifications - Sindipetroleo-MT alerts entrepreneurs in the fuel resale segment about the changes required by the ANP. The adhesive affixed to the AECH (Hydrous Ethanol Alcohol Fuel) pumps should be replaced with a sticker with the following characteristics: ANP logo, red letters, Arial size 42 on white background with the following text: “Consumer, this fuel ethanol it can only be sold if it is clear and colorless. Complaints: 0800-970-0267 ”.