The Operations, Fuels and Product Issues Committee (OFPIC) coordinates the industry’s response internationally to issues affecting the downstream supply chain, including biofuels, marine air emissions, fuel additives, product management and stewardship.

The issue

As vehicle emission control technology advances, the oil industry is increasingly being challenged to produce and supply cleaner, better performing hydrocarbon fuels to ‘enable’ advanced emission control technologies. The environmental consequences of the fuel-vehicle system are of concern to a range of stakeholders who have concerns ranging from air quality in developing country mega-cities through to greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles in California. Developing countries in particular have special needs, which must not be forgotten.

The oil and gas industry seeks to improve its environmental performance: not only by increasing availability of more sustainable fuels, but also by improving Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management throughout the supply chain.

IPIECA activities

IPIECA works with its members to provide a forum to share best practice on downstream environmental issues related to refining of crude oil, and the transport and distribution of products to consumers.

The Operations, Fuels and Product Issues Committee is currently working on:

• Biofuel sustainability
• Global harmonized systems
• Downstream environmental management good practice
• Leaded gasoline phase-out

Member action

Below are a number of case studies that provide an example of initiatives undertaken by IPIECA members.

• Florida’s first hydrogen energy station: Chevron is working with a state agency and a public utility to develop Florida’s first hydrogen energy station, which will fuel a small fleet of hydrogen-powered shuttle buses at Orlando International Airport.
• Strengthening the hydrocarbon road transport sector in Madagascar: Total and its partners are increasing the professionalism of hydrocarbon transport companies in Madagascar, improving road safety practices and stimulating economic development.
• The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles: Launched at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the global Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles assisted sub-Saharan Africa countries in phasing out leaded gasoline by 2005 and is aiming for global elimination of leaded gasoline by 2008.