Opal fuel

" Opal
Petrol sniffing is a serious issue for many remote Indigenous communities around Australia, resulting in death and permanent disability, particularly amongst young people.
Previously, BP was selling a fuel known as Comgas (a re-brand of Avgas), which was found to be useful in mitigating petrol sniffing. Comgas had very low levels of aromatics, which are what give the ‘high’ when sniffed. However, Comgas contained lead and was therefore not viewed as a sustainable solution by BP.

BP began to investigate whether an entirely new fuel option could be developed. Refinery staff from BP’s Kwinana Refinery developed a new unleaded fuel that met the specification of being both low in aromatics to discourage people sniffing, and suitable for use in motor vehicles and two-stroke engines requiring unleaded fuel.
What is Opal?
Thus Opal was introduced as an improvement to Comgas by removing the lead content and maintaining the same deterrent aspect. This means Opal is less harmful when sniffed and because it is unleaded, better for the environment. By removing the lead component, there are no corrosive products to damage engines and exhaust systems, meaning it is also better for engines.

This means Opal is less harmful when sniffed and because it is unleaded, better for the environment. By removing the lead component, there are no corrosive products to damage engines and exhaust systems, meaning it is also better for engines.

The resulting product was subjected to stringent performance, environmental, and toxicological assessment, before being released to the market. The first of its kind in the marketplace, Opal has been available in some communities since January 2005.

BP is continuing to act with the Federal Government and community groups to address petrol sniffing, as it is only one part of the solution to petrol sniffing. Anecdotal reports suggest that Opal has either lessened or significantly reduced petrol sniffing. BP is working alongside the Federal Government, who have funded an independent evaluation to check the impact of Opal on communities over time. "
regards ross

I used Opal fuel on the Beadell Roads last year.
Fueled up with it at Warburton and Warakurna. Did not notice any difference in performance or consumption.

Hi Hairy,

Without going into details, the company I work for did the engine validation testing for BP in advance of OPAL release. You will not have any problems.

Hugh

I think it is a waste of money. The problem isn't petrol, the problem is that there is absolutely nothing for the kids to do on most of the communities. There is no shortage of other substances available for the kids to blow their brains on if the petrol won't do it. The only answer is a total rethink about living conditions and the future for kids on the communities.

Thanks to everybody who replied.
Just a quick run down on me so you may understand the question a little more.
Ive lived in Alice for the past 18 years or so and lot of that time has been working on remote communities, I have taught in aboriginal education and have a lot of black fella mates. I understand the reason for opal fuel and wouldn't have a problem with it if someone who really knows more about it would come out and answer a few simple questions. I still cant get any stats on the product like.... do you get the same mileage out of a litre of opal as you would unleaded? what are the chemicals they have taken out and what were there purposes? If this fuel is so good and releases less emissions why doesn't the whole of Australia change over to it? etc. etc.etc
Over the years people in Alice have had so many law changes and rules put on us (like I'm sure the rest of the country has) which didn't solve a problem but still don't revert to the old way when they realise it wasn't the way to go. I'm getting a bit sceptical and think that we are about to cop another expense that probably wont fix the problem and will end up costing us all again!
I have emailed BP and they wont give me a straight answer to a couple of simple questions and I wonder why?
Thanks for your input but I have this horrible feeling that in a couple of years when cars start burning out valves or something BP will bring out an additive or something which will add to the already ridiculous price of fuel.
Well Ive had my bitch and Ill leave it at that!
Cheers All

Hi Slammin and Hairy.
I remain cynical about the stuff. I also have worked in Alice and was head of the education unit in the prison, working with many sniffers. I want Opal to work, but think its a hell of a lot of money that still isn't addressing the causes of why sniffing happens. Unless the rollout is accompanied by real programs in the Communities, I just can't see how it can change things.

I sure agree with Slammin about the incredible power of AFL footy in the communities. A few years ago I tried to get interest in setting up some schools where developing footy skills would be a core part of the curriculum and connected to health and other community programs. The AFL was prepared to support it, but otherwise it fell on deaf ears. A similar approach is now reported to be working well in some parts of WA.