Summer Sales of Unleaded 88 are Strong

Reported monthly sales of Unleaded 88 in Minnesota reached new heights this summer and early fall, state data show.

According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, reported sales of Unleaded 88 were over 9.2 million gallons in July. Reported sales were over 9.5 million gallons in August and over 9.3 million gallons in September.

Before July, reported Unleaded 88 sales in Minnesota had never reached 9 million gallons. In May, reported sales were over 8.7 million gallons, and in June, they were over 8.9 million gallons. Those were the first months in which Minnesota passed the 8 million gallon threshold.

In total, reported Unleaded 88 sales in Minnesota for the first nine months of 2022 were 76.3 million gallons. For comparison, Minnesota’s total reported Unleaded 88 sales in 2021 were 87.1 million gallons. That was a state record for annual Unleaded 88 sales.

About Unleaded 88

Unleaded 88, also known as E15, is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the fuel for use in all model year 2001 and newer vehicles.

Compared to regular unleaded gasoline, Unleaded 88 reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also costs less than regular unleaded; it’s typically 5 cents to 40 cents per gallon less, on average.

Through farmers’ investment in the Minnesota corn check-off, Minnesota Corn has helped dozens of fueling stations upgrade to equipment compatible with Unleaded 88 and higher biofuel blends. In 2021, for example, Minnesota Corn pledged $1 million to a state biofuel infrastructure grant program. The state legislature allocated $6 million to the program during the 2021 legislative session.

On Oct. 1, 2022, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that 44 fueling stations are receiving funding through the program.

In addition, Minnesota Corn has continued promoting Unleaded 88 to consumers across the state through the Better Fuel Initiative. For the past two years, the campaign has featured KFAN “Power Trip” morning show co-host and producer Chris Hawkey.

Hawkey has appeared on Better Fuel billboards and in TV and radio ads that have played statewide.

Unleaded 88 is available at over 400 Minnesota fueling stations. To find a station with Unleaded 88 near you, visit betterfuel.org.

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