Five great months! MN’s Unleaded 88 sales are strong
Minnesota fuel stations are off to another great start when it comes to Unleaded 88 sales in 2023, according to the latest state data.
Between January and May 2023, the latest month for which data is available, Minnesota fuel stations reported selling 46.5 million gallons of the 15% biofuel blend, according to the state Department of Commerce. That’s up over 18% compared to the same period in 2022 and nearly 44% compared to same period in 2021.
May was a particularly strong month for Unleaded 88 sales in Minnesota, the data show, with 9.8 million gallons of reported sales — the second-highest monthly total in state history. The month also set a record for reported gallons sold per station at nearly 38,000.
Overall, the data shows that drivers are enjoying the many benefits of Unleaded 88, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved for use in all cars, trucks, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer. The fuel is also known as E15, a nod to its 15% ethanol concentration. The benefits of Unleaded 88 include reduced greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions, increased market demand for family corn farmers, and cost savings at the pump. In 2022, Unleaded 88 in Minnesota cost on average 17 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded, according to the state Department of Commerce.
Proudly promoting Unleaded 88
Given its many benefits to drivers, family corn farmers, and all Minnesotans, Minnesota Corn has proudly supported efforts to increase demand for and the availability of Unleaded 88 for over a decade. Since 2013, the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council has contributed millions of dollars to grant programs that allow fuel stations to install Unleaded 88-compatible equipment. That included a $1 million contribution to a 2021 state program that allowed 44 fuel stations to upgrade equipment.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association played a key role in advocating for the creation of the biofuel infrastructure program at the State Legislature; and Minnesota Corn has promoted Unleaded 88 to consumers through the Better Fuel Initiative outreach campaign.
Since 2021, ads featuring KFAN’s Chris Hawkey that highlight Unleaded 88’s benefits have played on media channels throughout the state. Additionally, Minnesota Corn has partnered with Twin Cities Road Crew to promote Unleaded 88 during promotion events at fuel stations around the state.
Learn more about Unleaded 88, and find an Unleaded 88 station near you, at BetterFuel.org.
