Reason For Low Octane Rating Of Petrol: Shortage Of Lead
(P.A.) WELLINGTON. Dec. 13The continued low octane rating of petrol available to New Zealand was due not to any arbitrary fixation by the Government but to the world supply shortage in combination with the need to spend dollars in any projected purchase of lead. An increase in the rating had been considered for some time, but in answer to inquiries all five of the oil companies operating in Now Zealand had replied that such an increase was not practicable at present. This statement was made today by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. A. 11. Nordmeyer, who added that one of the major problems facing suppliers in this matter was the lead content of benzol necessary to increase the octane rating of petrol.
The lend had to be paid for in dollars. There was a limit to dollar funds available for petrol, so that if the lead had to be paid for as well the quantity of petrol imported must drop.
In other words, concluded the Minister, if petrol were to be of “super” grade, there would be less of
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22819, 14 December 1948, Page 6
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191Reason For Low Octane Rating Of Petrol: Shortage Of Lead Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22819, 14 December 1948, Page 6
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