MAPCO Adding E15 to Its Fuel Offering

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- MAPCO Express Inc. announced today it will sell E15 at the pump beginning this year. The fuel blend -- containing 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline -- will be a fueling option at new-build and select MAPCO mega store locations.

"We have a long track record of offering innovative products to our consumers and E15 fits in nicely with our current product lineup," said Dan Gordon, vice president of business development for MAPCO. "Ethanol-based fuels have been a lower per-gallon cost alternative over the past few years and this should allow us to offer our customers additional fuel options."

E15 was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in January 2011 as an alternative fuel for use in 2001 or newer vehicles. However, adoption of the fuel has been slow due to concerns raised by groups including the American Petroleum Institute and AAA, which have stated E15 can cause engine problems. Ethanol groups, such as Growth Energy, have vehemently disagreed with such claims, stating that E15 is safe.

Approximately 40 gas stations currently offer E15, but MAPCO could nearly triple this number in the near future.

"Based on the success of this product, our goal will be to add the E15 fuel to our mega stores as we continue to increase the number of these locations in the future. Assuming a successful program, our goal is to have 100 stores offering E15," Gordon said.

MAPCO locations already sell E85 and biodiesel at the pump.

"This is great news to see a major retailer and successful company like MAPCO announce their decision to offer E15 and give consumers a choice at the pump," said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. "MAPCO is an innovator in the marketplace always looking to provide what their customers want and need. Growth Energy believes this will end the debate about whether or not consumers want E15."

Brentwood, Tenn.-based MAPCO Express Inc. is a division of Delek US Holdings Inc. The c-store chain operates 362 locations under the MAPCO Express, MAPCO Mart, East Coast, Discount Food Mart, Fast Food and Fuel, Delta Express and Favorite Markets brand names.