What are “Oxygenated” and “Reformulated” gasolines?
Oxygenated gasoline is conventional gasoline to which chemicals that are rich in oxygen have been added. This increases the octane and/or meets clean air regulations to help reduce carbon monoxide exhaust emissions. Oxygenated gasoline is required during winter months in those metropolitan areas that do not meet the Federal air quality standard for carbon monoxide. The most common oxygenates used are methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and ethanol (alcohol). Oxygenated gasoline performs as well as conventional gasoline in most vehicles.