There has been significant discussion recently regarding changes to fuel labeling at gas stations, specifically concerning the date July 1, 2026. The Fuel and Energy Business Association (FEBA) provides clarification on what is changing and how these innovations will affect consumers.

Regulatory Framework

Fuel labeling in Ukraine is regulated by the Technical Regulations for Automotive Gasoline, Diesel, Marine, and Boiler Fuels (approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 927, dated 01.08.2013).

According to these regulations:

• Fuel labeling (name, grade, environmental class, and bio-component content symbol) must be clearly displayed on fuel dispensing equipment and reflected in payment documents (fiscal receipts).
• The State Ecological Inspectorate (SEI) monitors compliance with these requirements.

Notably, the current Technical Regulations do not mandate fuel labeling on other gas station elements such as price totems, building facades, or information stands.

Harmonization with EU Standards (DSTU EN 16942:2024)

To unify fuel labeling and ensure consumer safety, Ukraine adopted the DSTU EN 16942:2024 standard (harmonized with the European EN 16942). This standard helps drivers quickly and safely identify the correct fuel type, preventing engine damage caused by refueling errors. It fully aligns Ukrainian requirements with the latest version of the European standard.

Visual Requirements of the Standard:

The standard dictates both the content and the shape of graphic symbols:

• Gasoline (Symbol — CIRCLE): Marked with the letter “E” (Ethanol). The number indicates the maximum percentage of bioethanol (e.g., E5, E10, E85).
• Diesel (Symbol — SQUARE): Marked with the letter “B” (Biodiesel) or “XTL” (synthetic diesel). The number indicates the maximum content of biodiesel (e.g., B7, B10).
• Gaseous Fuels (Symbol — RHOMBUS): Labeled as LPG, CNG, LNG, or H2 (hydrogen).

By using a universal “visual language” (circles, squares, and rhombuses), the standard converts technical specifications into symbols understandable to every driver.

The Significance of July 1, 2026

Starting July 1, 2026, the new E10 gasoline standard comes into effect, requiring a minimum of 7% bioethanol content in fuel. Therefore, this date serves as a milestone for:

1. Enforcing the mandatory bio-component content in gasoline.
2. Aligning all fuel labeling and consumer information with harmonized European standards.

FEBA Recommendations

While the law does not strictly require labels on every part of a gas station, FEBA recommends the following to enhance service quality and transparency:

• On Pumps and Nozzles: Use the visual symbols (circle, square, rhombus) according to DSTU EN 16942:2024. Placing a sticker directly on the nozzle handle or housing is European best practice, serving as an additional safeguard against refueling errors.
• Price Totems/Signs: Add relevant graphic identifiers next to the fuel name and price. This allows drivers to identify the fuel type before pulling up to the pump.

Adopting these standards is an effective way for businesses to satisfy the Technical Regulation requirement for “bio-component symbols” in a way that is recognized throughout both Ukraine and Europe.