China launches research on methanol gasoline

China’s Ministry of Industry Information Technology (MIIT) has launched a research study on methanol gasoline. The research study came about due to concerns that gasoline mixed with methanol may emit benzene, a chemical harmful to human health. China now allows the mixing of 15% of methanol into gasoline, or M15 gasoline, in such provinces as Henan and Shanxi, which have been designated to use ethanol fuels on a trial basis. MIIT’s research will lead to recommendations on whether the country should encourage the development of methanol fuel. (May 4, 2010)