Macedonia on course to meet national lead phase-out deadline

A PCFV project to ensure the phase-out of leaded petrol in FYR Macedonia is progressing with the establishment of a multi-sectoral working group. The government has set a phase-out date of June 2009, but various problems are foreseen in meeting it – including expenditure of existing stocks of leaded fuel. Working group members include the state refinery OKTA, Makpetrol - the biggest fuel importer and distributor of fuel in the country, the State Market Inspectorate, the Institute for Standardization, the national auto club, as well as various ministries. The group is also working on the country’s transition to 10 ppm sulphur in fuels, in line with ‘Euro 5’ vehicle and fuel standards, drawing on the expertise of PCFV partners.