What is the rationale of introducing unleaded petrol in the market?
There are a number of pollutants that are emitted as a result of fossil fuel usage. Although lead is among these pollutants, when it is used to enhance the octane rating of petrol (there are other chemicals that can serve the same purpose), it is not the only harmful emission. The real problem is that lead damages the catalytic converter, which is the gadget fitted in vehicles to reduce the toxicity of many of the pollutants in exhaust emissions. The idea of introducing unleaded petrol in Africa was mooted in June 2001 at a meeting in Dakar, Senegal, where a Declaration was adopted on the phase-out of leaded petrol in the continent.Further, the elimination of lead in petrol has been made possible by technological advancements in the refining and automotive industries. Technology has made it possible to achieve the required octane level for efficient combustion without the use of lead.
