WASHINGTON and BOSTON —Drivers will be able to locate the nearest fuel site that offers E15, the 15% ethanol blend, thanks to a new partnership between GasBuddy and Growth Energy.
About 1,800 out of the more than 150,000 fueling sites in the U.S. sell E15, which most retailers brand as Unleaded 88. As part of its partnership with ethanol industry group Growth Energy, GasBuddy’s fuel app will enable users to search a database of Unleaded 88 locations to find their closest option. GasBuddy and Growth Energy are also launching an advertising campaign inside the app to promote renewable fuels.
Representatives from Growth Energy and GasBuddy pointed to E15’s potential price discount compared to E10 of up to 10 cents per gallon as an incentive for GasBuddy app users.
“With fuel prices constantly changing and varying between stations, GasBuddy’s goal is to be the most comprehensive platform for drivers to make fuel-purchasing decisions and save money on every fill-up,” said Patrick DeHaan, head petroleum analyst for Boston-based GasBuddy. “By including the availability of Unleaded 88, we’re continuing our commitment to our users.”
In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized rulemaking that enables fuel retailers to sell E15 year-round. Since then, retailers such as Casey’s General Stores have ramped up plans to add E15 to their sites. The Renewable Fuels Association has projected E15 consumption to more than double from 2018 levels to hit 700 million to 800 million gallons in 2019.
Today, retailers in 31 states sell E15, including chains such as Cumberland Farms, High's, Kwik Trip, Kum & Go, Murphy USA, RaceTrac, Royal Farms, Rutter’s, Sheetz and Thorntons.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.