THE first public forecourt to dispense environmentally-friendly GlobalDiesel, a blend of rapeseed oil with ultra-low sulphur diesel, has been opened by Transport Minister David Jamieson.

GlobalDiesel is claimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% and particulate emissions by 28%. Greenergy, the firm behind the product, claims the fuel can be used with any diesel-powered car or van without modification.

Pure biodiesel received a fuel duty reduction of 20p per litre below the rate for ultra-low sulphur diesel in this year's Budget, due to come into force later this year. The reduction varies according to the volume of biodiesel in the fuel. GlobalDiesel has a 5% biodiesel content and retails at 2 pence per litre more than ultra-low sulphur diesel. With the duty cut, it will be 1ppl more expensive than 'normal' diesel.

Jamieson said: 'The Government is pleased to see its action in introducing the fuel duty incentive for biodiesel has led to the market responding.'