Each country has a definite phase-out schedule, but the approaches used vary from one country to another. Therefore, an exchange of experiences and lessons learned is beneficial to all participating parties. Moreover, lessons learned can also be used by other CEE and NIS countries participating in the pan-European Task Force on the Phase-out of Lead which do not yet have any specific phase-out plans in place.
The Report is divided into six sections. Section 1 presents the background to the SILAQ Initiative on the Phase-out of Leaded Gasoline. Section 2 focuses on the rationale for the phase-out of lead in gasoline, including an overview of lead emissions in the SILAQ countries and the health consequences of exposure to lead.
Current conditions influencing the phase-out of lead in the SILAQ countries are discussed in Section 3. The section includes an overview of the existing regulatory framework regarding vehicle-related air pollution; the structure of the vehicle fleets; and the situation in the refinery sector. Information is also provided on the use of gasoline and the gasoline distribution system in the SILAQ countries.
Section 4 reviews the various technical and economic considerations for the phase-out of leaded gasoline, including technological options for the petroleum refinery sector, considerations for the vehicle fleet, and other economic aspects.
Policy measures and instruments applicable are discussed in Section 5, which outlines possible approaches to the phase-out of lead, and examines specific policy measures and the instruments available. Details of current phase out strategies used by the SILAQ countries are presented, as well as some examples of the successful implementation of lead phase-out in other countries.
Section 6 concludes the report with an overview of key findings regarding plans and the implementation of the phase-out of lead in gasoline. Discussed are also key issues still needing to be addressed, possible follow-up actions to the SILAQ Initiative, and future assistance needs.