EN    EN  
 EUROPEAN  
COMMISSION 
Brussels, 25.2.2015  
COM(2015) 70 final 
  
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO  THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL 
Quality of petrol and diesel fuel used for road transport in the European Union 
Twelfth annual report 
(Reporting year 2013) 
 
 
2 
 REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO  THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL 
Quality of petrol and diesel fuel used fo r road transport in the European Union: 
Twelfth annual report 
(Reporting year 2013) 
1. I NTRODUCTION  
This report represents a consolidation of the twelfth year of Member States’ submissions 
under Directive 98/70/EC1 (the “Directive”), summarising the quality of petrol and diesel 
used for road transport in the EU for 2013. Specif ications for petrol and diesel sold for road 
transport in the EU are included in the Directiv e: the first specifications entered into force on 
1 January 2000; the second on 1 January 2005 and the third on 1 January 2009 which limited the sulphur content of all automotive road fuel s in the EU to 10 ppm. Additional requirements 
are defined in the European Standard for Fuel Quality Monitoring Systems (“FQMS”), EN 14274:2012, required from 2004.  
The Directive also stipulates that Member Stat es are required to report summaries of the 
quality of fuels sold in their territories. The or iginal reporting format for this was laid out in 
Commission Decision 2002/159/ EC of 18 February 2002
2. The requirements of the Directive 
have evolved with the introducti on of new fuel specifications and reporting requirements. All 
Member States receive a reporting template in order to include all pertinent details to enable a European wide analysis and comparison of th e results of the fuel quality monitoring 
undertaken in Member States. The template fo llows the reporting requirements outlined in 
Commission Decision 2002/159/EC a nd is annually reviewed and agreed by the Commission.  
In 2013, all Member States have complied with th e fuel specifications that require road fuels 
to contain less than 10 ppm of sulphur. In addi tion, Member States have begun to report fuels 
with added ethanol, which is a repor ting requirement from 1 January 2011. 
All Member States submitted their report in the template provided. Of the 28 annual FQMS 
reports, 24 were received within  the reporting dead line of 30 June, two were received less 
than one week late and the last two reports we re submitted within one month of the original 
deadline. This proves a conti nuous improvement in compliance with the deadline compared 
with recent years. 
2. F
UEL SALES IN EUROPE  
Fuel sales in the EU in 2013 continue to be  heavily weighted towa rds diesel with 243,516 
million litres of diesel sold compared to  106,082 million litres of petrol sold.   
                                                 
1 O.J. L 350 of 28.12.1998, p. 58 
2 O.J. L 53 of 23.2.2002, p.30 
 
3 
 Of the petrol fuel grades, very small amounts of RON 91 were still available on the market 
with sales of only 369 million litres ( 0.4%); RON 95 - 98 tota lled 14,335 million litres 
(13.5%); RON 98 totalled 3,396 million litres (3.2%), whilst RON 95 represented the 
majority of petrol fuel sales with 87,982 million litres (82.9%).  
In diesel, the B7 grade represented the majo rity of sales with 241,946 million litres sold 
(99%). B+ and zero FAME dies el totalled 1,570 million litres. 
Even if diesel is the dominant  fuel in Europe there is a co ntinued reduction in consumption 
with 2013 being the fourth year in a row that sa w a fall in sales. For pe trol there is also a 
reduction in consumption in 2013; in fact petrol  sales have continued to decline since 2004. In 
terms of fuel grades, RON 91 has almost disapp eared from the European market and currently 
is only sold in a small amount. 
Figure 1 illustrates the volume of petrol and di esel sold in Europe by different fuel type.  
 
4 
 Figure 1: EU fuel sales by fuel type in 2013 
 
   
Petrol 
         
Diesel 
 
 
 Million Litres 
 Unleaded Petrol < 10 ppm S Diesel < 10ppm 
S 
   Min. RON=91    Min. RON=95    RON 95=<RON<98    RON>=98    Diesel 
   Min. RON=91 E5   Min. RON=95 
E5   RON 95=<RON<98 E5   RON>=98 E5   Diesel B5 
   Min. RON=91 
E10   Min. RON=95 E10   RON 95=<RON<98 E10   RON>=98 E10   Diesel B7 
   Min. RON=91 
E+   Min. RON=95 E+   RON 95=<RON<98 E+   RON>=98 E+   Diesel B+ 
  
2.1 Fuel availability 2013 
One of the main facts of 2013 is that RON 91 ha s almost disappeared from the market, and is 
only now being sold in four countries. Denmark is the only country where this fuel has any 
significant presence.  
The sale of E10 continues to be limited to only three Member States: France, Finland and 
Germany.  
Table 1 illustrates the quantities and t ypes of fuels sold by Member State.  
 
5 
 Table 1: 2013 EU28 fuel sales by type  
Fuel Type Petrol Sales 
(million litres) Diesel 
Sales 
(million litres) 
Member State min. 
RON=91 min. 
RON=95 min. 
RON=98 RON  ≥98 Total Petrol Total Diesel 
Austria 31 - 2,151 53 2,235 7,667 
Belgium - 1,389 - 278 1,667 8,011 
Bulgaria - 674 - 21 695 2,178 
Cyprus - - 448 26 474 310 
Croatia - 693 24 25 742 1,682 
Czech Republic 10 2,052 - 34 2,096 4,983 
Denmark 322 1,503 1 - 1,826 3,032 
Estonia - - 292 24 316 806 
Finland - 1,187 865 - 2,052 2,878 
France - 9,363 - - 9,363 40,419 
Germany 6 23,498 - 1,440 24,944 41,671 
Greece - 3,491 22 98 3,611 2,639 
Hungary - 1,537 - 48 1,585 3,244 
Ireland - 1,684 - - 1,684 2,648 
Italy - 9,015 - - 9,015 26,755 
Latvia - 251 23 - 274 889 
Lithuania - 262 - 8 270 1,288 
Luxembourg - - 353 76 429 1,964 
Malta - - 98 - 98 116 
Netherlands - 5,239 - 58 5,297 7,264 
Poland - 4,464 - 428 4,892 13,159 
Portugal - - 1,360 103 1,463 4,867 
Romania - - 1,585 91 1,676 4,807 
Slovakia - 691 - 13 704 1,317 

 
6 
  
On the basis of Table 1 some  general points can be noted: 
• Diesel dominates the market in all but two of the 28 Member States with petrol fuels 
representing 57.8% share of Greek fuel sales and 60.5% of Cypriot fuel sales. 
• Belgium, on the other hand, has the heaviest dependence on diesel fuel with an 
82.8% diesel share of the mark et.  Above 80% of diesel sh are can also be found in 
Lithuania (82.7 %), Luxembour g (82.1%) and France (81.2 %). 
• The greatest volume of fuel sales in 2013 took place in Germany, with 19.1% total 
EU fuel sales; the petrol:diesel sales ratio was 37.4%:62.6%.  The next biggest 
market was France with a 14.3% share of EU petrol and diesel fuel sales; its petrol 
diesel sales ratio was 18.8%: 81.2%. UK fuel sales totalled 1 2.9% of all fuel sales in 
the EU with a ratio of 40.1%: 59.9% for petrol:diesel.   
• In most countries the tax rate for diesel  is lower than for petrol (sometimes 
significantly), this coupl ed with the higher efficiency of  diesel vehicles (vs. petrol 
equivalents) and improvements to diesel cars has been a key driver in the shift to 
increasing diesel use in the EU.  
• RON 95 is by far the most popular type of petrol fuel in most Member States, 
followed by 95<RON<98. 
3. F UEL QUALITY MONITORING 2013 
3.1 Description of systems used  by different Member States 
A number of different approaches have been  used to implement the FQMS across the EU. 
Although consistency between Memb er States has improved sligh tly year on year, approaches 
range from those based on European Standard EN 142743, with sampling at a range of fuel 
retail stations, through to national systems.  
Alternative monitoring systems are permitted by the Directive, provided such systems ensure 
the results are of an equivalent confidence to EN 14274, although the criteria for assessing 
this are not specified. It is therefore not cl ear whether the existing systems not based on EN 
14274 meet this criterion.  
                                                 
3 EN 14274:2003 - Automotive fuels - Assessment of pe trol and diesel quality - Fuel Quality Monitoring 
System (FQMS). Slovenia - - 591 32 623 2,213 
Spain - - 5,872 424 6,296 24,411 
Sweden - 3,619 - 116 3,735 5,394 
UK - 17,370 650 - 18,020 26,904 
Total 369 87,982 14,335 3,396 106,082 243,516 

 
7 
 In 2013, the majority of Member States have  provided additional information about their 
selection of a monitoring system (if using a statistical model from EN 14274) or have 
provided information about the selection of a national monitoring system.  
Of the 28 Member States FQMS used in 2013: 
• Five have opted to use EN  14274 statistical model A (Aus tria, Finland, Greece, Italy 
and Spain) 
• Five have used EN 14274 statistical mode l B (France, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria 
and Romania) 
• Ten have opted for EN 14274 statistical model C (Ireland, Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia 
Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithua nia, Slovakia and Slovenia) and; 
• The remaining eight have used a national monitoring system 
3.2 Sampling and reporting 
One of the key points in the a ssessment of fuel quality is the how fuels are sampled. This 
sampling must be done in accordance w ith requirements laid down in EN 14274. 
This standard indicates the number and locati on of samples to be taken and reported in 
Member States’ fuel quality reports. The stan dard also specifies the minimum number of 
samples per fuel grade in each  of the winter and  summer periods. Table 2 provides a 
breakdown of individual Member States’ samp ling and reporting in 2013 . The total minimum 
samples required is calculated where the Memb er State has used a statistical model as 
outlined in EN 14274 such that the minimum sample requirement is known for each model (A, B and C).  
Table 2 also provides a breakdown of the total sample numbers taken and the sampling 
carried out at service stations. All Member States provided this br eakdown in 2013. As EN 
14274 specifies that the minimum sampling requirem ent should be taken from fuel dispensing 
sites – which are defined as a “ site, retail or commercial where fuel is dispensed into road 
vehicles for propulsion ” any sampling taken at distribution terminals or refineries should be 
taken in addition to those from service st ations in order to meet minimum sampling 
requirements. 
3.3 Commission EU Pilot  
As noted above Article 8(2) of the Directive requires Member St ates to establish a FQMS in 
accordance with the requirements of  the relevant European standard  and if, an alternative fuel 
quality monitoring system (a national system) is  used, it should ensures results of equivalent 
confidence. 
As noted in the annual report for 2012 it would app ear that some Member States were not in 
full compliance with these requirements. The main  issues of divergence regarded the number 
of samples, location of the sampling and the measurement of all necessary parameters to 
ensure appropriated fuel quality. The continuing divergence of some of these issues can still 
be seen in this report as indicated in tables 2 and 3. 
 
8 
 Following the adoption of the annual report for 2012 EU Pilots were launched during 2014 in 
respect of 20 Member States. Replies have been  received from all these countries which have 
undertaken to improve their repo rting systems for the future. Ho wever, as these actions post-
date the 2013 report, it cannot s how the improvements agreed with these Member States. The 
Commission expects to see a major impr ovement in reporting as regards 2014.  
 
9 
 Table 2: Summary of Member State sampli ng and reporting in relation to the 
requirements of Directive 98/70/EC and of European Standard EN 14274 
 
Total samples 
required (5) Samples Taken 
(6) Samples Taken at 
Service Stations (7)
MS 
FQMS 
Model (1)  
Size (2)  
Separate 
S&W? (3)  
Samples 
per grade 
per 
period (4)Pet Dsl Pet Dsl Pet Dsl 
Austria  A S 9 50 104 100 106 100 106 100 
Belgium N S 9 (50) (200) (100) 2013 6387 2013 6387 
Bulgaria B S 9 100 206 200 475 491 460 476 
Croatia C S 9 50 108 100 105 168 91 152 
Cyprus C S 9 50 106 100 268 153 268 153 
Czech Republic C S 9 50 103 106 907 1237 926 1237 
Denmark  N S 9 (50) (201) (100) 43 21 43 21 
Estonia  C S 9 50 108 100 350 210 350 210 
Finland  A S 9 50 200 100 223 115 223 115 
France  B L 9 200 800 400 487 420 487 420 
Germany  B L 9 200 825 400 741 399 741 399 
Greece  A S 9 50 103 100 116 100 116 100 
Hungary  C S 9 50 104 100 120 120 120 120 
Ireland  C S 9 50 100 100 199 199 199 199 
Italy A L 9 100 200 200 200 200 200 200 
Latvia  N S 9 (50) (110) (150) 91 153 45 47 
Lithuania  C S 9 50 104 100 106 100 104 100 
Luxembourg  N S 9 (50) (200) (100) 66 86 58 86 
Malta  N S 9 (50) 100 100 44 43 34 32 
Netherlands  N S 9 (50) (102) (100) 100 100 100 100 
Poland  B S 9 100 220 200 539 406 539 406 
Portugal  C S 9 50 108 100 143 112 23 12 
Romania  B S 9 100 212 200 92 72 92 72 
Slovakia  C S 9 50 102 100 151 122 110 122 
Slovenia  C S 9 50 106 100 146 165 146 117 
Spain  A L 9 100 214 200 400 200 126 99 
Sweden  N S 9 (50) (104) (100) 602 776 0 0 
UK N L × (100) (208) (200) 1262 2109 473 280 
 
# Column  Explanatory notes  
(1) FQMS 
Model N = National Fuel Quality Monitoring System (FQMS) 
A = EN 14274 Statistical Model A 
B = EN 14274 Statistical Model B 
C = EN 14274 Statistical Model C 
(2) Size – 
Country size S = Small (total automotive road fuel sales < 15 million tonnes pa) 
L = Large (total automotive road fu el sales > 15 million tonnes pa) 
(3) Separate S 
& W? 3 Separate summer & winter reporting 2 indicates full year sample results reporting 
only.  
 
10 
 (4) Samples 
per grade 
per period EN 14274: There are reduced sampling requiremen ts for grades comprising of less than 
10% total sale. For Member States using a national FQMS, estimated equivalent 
minimum samples (based on fuel sa les) are shown in brackets (). 
(5) Total 
samples 
required Calculation of the EN 14274 minimum samp le total required according to FQM model 
and country size. The minimum sample requirement is to be taken from the ‘point of use’ 
at fuel dispensing sites. For Member States  using a national FQMS, estimated equivalent 
minimum samples (based on fuel sa les) are shown in brackets (). 
(6) Samples 
Taken The total number of samples taken per fuel type at all locations (service stations, 
terminals and refineries). 
(7) Samples 
taken at 
Service Stations The total number of samples taken at service stations; fuel dispensing sites (public and 
commercial). This is reported separately in the standard reporting template; where 
samples taken at service stations do not match overall samples taken, this is due to differences in the original report submission (in particular France and the Czech 
Republic, where samples taken at service stations is greater than samples taken). 
 Pet. Petrol 
 Dsl Diesel 
 
Table 3: Summary of parameters not reporte d by Member States for each fuel grade 
This table shows the parameters that were  not correctly assesse d during 2013 by Member 
States. Some of the situations referred to in th is table were already covered in the EU Pilots 
and measures to fix these issues have been  promised by the relevant Member States. 
 
Member 
States Petrol and diesel grades marketed in each Member State in 2013  
Austria Unleaded 
petrol RON=91 
E5 Unleaded petrol 
95=<RON<98  E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON>= 98  E5  Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported All reported  All reported  
       
Belgium Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98  E5   Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Bulgaria Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98  E5   Diesel  B7  
 Motor Octane 
Number Motor Octane 
Number   All reported  
       
Croatia Unleaded 
petrol min. 
RON=95 (<10 
ppm S) Unleaded petrol 
95=<RON<98 
(<10 ppm S) Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98 (<10 
ppm S)  Diesel  B7  
 All parameters reported aggregated  
(no split by fuel grade)  All reported   
       
Cyprus Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  Unleaded petrol 
RON 98    Diesel  B7  
 Manganese 
Iso-butyl alcohol Manganese 
Iso-butyl alcohol   All reported  
       
Czech 
Republic Unleaded 
petrol RON=91 
E5 Unleaded petrol  
RON=95  E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98 E5  Diesel  B7 Diesel  B+ 
 
11 
 Member 
States Petrol and diesel grades marketed in each Member State in 2013  
 All reported All reported All reported  All reported Only few 
parameters tested 
according to FAME 
content (see country report for 
details)  
       
Denmark Unleaded 
petrol RON=91 
E5 Unleaded petrol  
RON=95  E5 Unleaded petrol 
95=< RON<98   Diesel  B7  
 All reported  All reported (albeit 
for some parameter 
<4 samples were tested)
 All reported  All reported  
       
Estonia Unleaded 
petrol  
95=<RON<98 
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON >= 98  E5    Diesel    
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Finland Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  
E10 Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
France Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  
E5 Unleaded petrol  
RON=95  E10    Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Germany Unleaded 
petrol RON 91 
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 95 E5/E10 Unleaded petrol 
RON 98  E5  Diesel B7  
 Olefins,  
oxygen content,  
methanol, iso-propyl alcohol,  
tert-butyl alcohol, 
iso-butyl alcohol, ethers with =>5 
carbon 
atoms/molecule, other oxygenates, 
lead content
 All reported All reported  All reported  
       
Greece Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  Unleaded petrol 
95=< RON<98 Unleaded petrol 
RON >= 98  Diesel  B7  
 Motor Octane 
Number 
Manganese  Motor Octane 
Number 
Manganese Motor Octane 
Number 
Manganese  All reported  
       
Hungary Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98     Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Ireland Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95       Diesel   
 Manganese    All reported  
       
Italy Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95       Diesel B7  
 All reported    All reported  
       
Latvia Unleaded 
petrol RON=95 
E5  Unleaded petrol 
95=<RON<98    Diesel Diesel B7 
 
12 
 Member 
States Petrol and diesel grades marketed in each Member State in 2013  
 All reported All reported   All reported All reported  
       
Lithuania Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98     Diesel   
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Luxem-
bourg Unleaded 
petrol  RON=95  
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON>=98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 All reported Manganese   All reported  
       
Malta Unleaded 
petrol RON 95-
98       Diesel   
 All reported    All reported 
 
  
       
Nether-
lands Unleaded 
petrol  RON 95      Diesel   
 Research Octane 
Number 
Motor Octane 
number Methanol 
Iso-propyl alcohol 
Tert-butyl alcohol Iso-butyl alcohol 
other oxygenates 
Lead Content Manganese
    All reported  
       
Poland Unleaded 
petrol  RON 95  Unleaded petrol 
RON 98    Diesel   
 Manganese Manganese   All reported  
Portugal Unleaded 
petrol RON 95-
98  Unleaded petrol 
RON 98     Diesel  B7  
 Manganese Manganese   All reported  
       
Romania Unleaded 
petrol RON 95-
98  E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 98 E5    Diesel  B7  
 Manganese Manganese   All reported  
       
Slovakia Unleaded 
petrol  RON 95  
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Slovenia Unleaded 
petrol RON 95-
98  E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 Manganese Manganese   All reported  
       
Spain Unleaded 
petrol RON 95-
98  E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported  
       
Sweden Unleaded 
petrol  RON 95  
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 95-98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 
13 
 Member 
States Petrol and diesel grades marketed in each Member State in 2013  
 Methanol, Ethanol, 
Iso-propyl alcohol,  
Tert-butyl alcohol,  
Iso-butyl alcohol, Other oxygenates Methanol, Ethanol, 
Iso-propyl alcohol,  
Tert-butyl alcohol,  
Iso-butyl alcohol, Other oxygenates   FAME 
content  
       
UK Unleaded 
petrol  RON 95  
E5 Unleaded petrol 
RON 95-98  E5    Diesel  B7  
 All reported All reported   All reported   
 
4. C OMPLIANCE WITH THE DIRECTIVE ’S LIMIT VALUES  
4.1 Petrol reporting 
In 2013, all Member States provided minimum in formation about petrol sample compliance.  
In order to determine compliance it is necessary to know which test method has been used to 
test for some parameters (because reproducibility and tolerance levels differ according to test 
method).  Provision has been made for Member St ates to give this information within the 
reporting template – although this is not a manda tory part of the re porting it is vital to 
determine compliance levels. Furthermore, Member States were requested to report the 
number of samples that exceeded the 95% tole rance limits; the Netherla nds and Sweden have 
not provided this figure.  
The parameters found to be out of specification most frequently within the EU in 2013 were: 
• Summer Vapour Pressure was exceeded 124 times in 2013 (3.12% of cases).  
However, many exceedances are the result of transitional periods; when suppliers 
swap the summer specification fuel for wint er specification fuels and vice versa. 
• RON and MON samples out of specification totalled respectively 39 and 29 times, 
equivalent to 0.52% and 0.34% respectively.  
 
14 
 4.2 Diesel reporting 
In 2013, some Member States did not provide full details of samples found to be out of 
compliance with tolerance limits.   
Of the 6 parameters required to be tested fo r diesel in 2013, paramete rs found to be out of 
specification were: 
• The sulphur content maximum of 10ppm was exceeded by a total of 94 samples 
(0.65% of total).  However the average sulphur content for all Member States 
remains below the mandatory limit of 10ppm. 
• In total, 44 samples (0.33 %) reported FAME content abov e the 7% limit (excluding 
B+ diesel).  
• Distillation and density exceedances were  reported respectively 16 and 5 times, 
equivalent to 0.12% and 0.03%. 
4.3 Summary 
In general, of the 10,0 95 samples tested for petrol in 2013, 248 were found to be out of 
specification with tolerance limits for one or  more parameter, which represents a non-
compliance rate of 2.5%.  
Of the 14,764 samples tested for the six mandato ry parameters for diesel in 2013, 161 were 
found to be non-compliant with the specifie d limits, representing 1.1% of all samples 
reported. 
The proportion of samples found to be out of sp ecification relies on th e number of samples 
taken, which should be dependent (within each Me mber State) on the fuel sales volume, and 
supply sources.  However, with Member St ates using national systems that may not 
demonstrate equivalence with statistical models A, B or C and using st atistical models that 
may not be the most suitable, it is necessary to also consider  non-compliances within the EU 
weighted by sales volume and by sample numbers. 
A rate of non-compliances weighted according to sales volume and sample numbers shows 
downward trends for diesel, following a p eak registered in 2011, while petrol non-
compliances have fluctuated more. In 2013, sa les-weighted petrol non-compliances amounted 
to 1.8% (an improvement compared to 2012); di esel sales-weighted non-compliances were 
0.9%, (an improvement compared to 2012). 
Table 4 summarises the compliance of Member States with the Directive for 2013 reporting in 
terms of the results of the analysis of samp les against Tolerance Limits and the reporting 
format and content. Amendments to the Directiv e included the insertion of a paragraph stating 
“Member States shall determine the penaltie s applicable to breaches of the national 
provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive. The penalties determined must be effective, 
proportionate and dissuasive.”   
Some Member States have provided an explan ation of the remedial action and penalties 
imposed by national authorities where sample s are found to be out of specification.  
 
15 
 Table 4: summary of Member State compliance for 2013 reporting 
 
MS Non-compliance with limit values  
number of non-complia nt samples (NC) Incomplete reporting  
parameters not measured (NM) 
 (a) (b) 
 Petrol Diesel Petrol Diesel 
 NC Total  NC Total  (out of 19)  (out of 6)  
AT 3 106 2 100 0 0 
BE 53 2013 92 6387 0 0 
BG 24 475 16 491 1 0 
HR 5 105 0 168 0 0 
CY 16 268 1 153 2 0 
CZ 28 907 13 1237 0 0 
DK 4 43 3 21 0 0 
EE 5 350 1 210 0 0 
FI 5 223 0 115 0 0 
FR 7 487 5 420 0 0 
DE 6 741 1 399 0 0 
EL 1 116 4 100 2 0 
HU 1 120 0 120 0 0 
IE 18 199 3 199 1 0 
IT 4 200 0 200 0 0 
LV 0 91 0 153 0 0 
LT 0 106 0 100 0 0 
LU 3 66 0 86 0 0 
MT 7 44 0 43 0 0 
NL >1 100 >1 100 9 0 
PL 16 539 16 406 1 0 
PT 1 143 0 112 1 0 
RO 3 92 0 72 1 0 
SK 9 151 2 122 0 0 
SI 0 146 0 165 1 0 
ES 0 400 0 200 0 0 
SE 0 602 0 776 6 1 
UK 28 1262 1 2109 0 0 
 
# Column Explanatory notes 
(a) Non-compliance with limit It is not possible to confirm whether limit values have been 
 
16 
 values 
(95% confidence limits) respected in all samples, where reporting data is incomplete. 
Where it has not been possible to establish from submissions 
the number of samples exceeding the limit value a ‘>’ symbol indicates that the number of samples exceeding limits is a 
minimum and might be greater. 
The table covers samples exceeding limit values stipulated in 
Directive 98/70/EC. In cases samples where however found to 
be exceeding national limit values.  
(b) Incomplete reporting Some parameters may be sampled in smaller quantities, 
however all parameters should be sampled to accurately assess fuel quality.  Member Stat es should make it clear when 
sample results have been obtained and provide sample results. 
The table only covers fuels with >10% market share. 
 
Table 4 shows the current situation indicating that there is no problem with overall fuel 
quality in the EU. The Commission however consid ers that this situatio n can be enhanced and 
will insist that Member States continue to  improve their fuel quality in the future. 
5. C ONCLUSIONS  
The monitoring of fuel quality in 2013 shows that the specifications for petrol and diesel laid 
down in Directive 98/70/EC are in  general met with very few de viations from the relevant 
provisions being identified.  
Even if there is an improvement in the way Member States meet their reporting and 
monitoring obligations a nd enhance their fuel quality monitori ng systems, they are still not, in 
some cases, attaining the expected level sampling. 
The Commission launched and closed 20 EU P ilots during 2014, the main  issues addressed 
were sampling procedures, the number of sample s, the confidence leve l of national systems 
and incorrect parameters being measured. The Commission was satisfied with the replies it 
received from the Member States. However as this exercise was conducted during 2014 the 
report from 2013 does not reflect the agreed improvement. The Commission expects to see 
the full result of these improvements in the 2014 report. 
As cases of non-compliance are relatively rare and Member States gene rally take action to 
remove non-compliant fuel from sale, th e Commission is not aware of any negative 
repercussions on vehicle emissions or engi ne functioning due to these exceedances. 
The Commission urges Member States to conti nue to take action to ensure full compliance 
with the requirements of the Fuel Quality Directive.