100 million gallons sold! Unleaded 88 sales boosted in 2022
In December, Minnesota closed its record year for Unleaded 88 sales by reaching a new milestone.
For the first time, Minnesota in 2022 surpassed 100 million gallons in annual Unleaded 88 sales, finishing the year at 105.5 million gallons sold, the state Department of Commerce reported. The state broke the previous annual Unleaded 88 sales record of 87.1 million gallons, set in 2021, in November.
Unleaded 88, also known as E15, is a 15% biofuel blend approved for use in all cars, trucks, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer. Compared to regular unleaded fuel, the blend reduces air pollution and saves consumers money at the pump. In 2022, Unleaded 88 in Minnesota cost on average 17 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded.
[More: Find an Unleaded 88 station near you]
Each month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce publishes sales figures for Unleaded 88 and E85/mid-level flex fuels. The state doesn’t require all stations that sell the blends to submit data. On average, 62% of stations offering Unleaded 88 in Minnesota reported monthly sales in 2022.
Still, the data offers a snapshot of the public appetite for biofuel blends, and what it shows is promising. On a per-station basis, Minnesota fuel stations sold more gallons of Unleaded 88 than ever in 2022. On a month-by-month basis, Unleaded 88 sales continued to grow, too.
For each month, Minnesota set a new Unleaded 88 sales record in 2022, the data show. In July 2022, Minnesota surpassed 9 million gallons in monthly Unleaded 88 sales for the first time. Monthly sales haven’t dipped below 9.4 million gallons since.
In October 2022, monthly sales hit the 10 million gallon mark for the first time.
More than 420 Minnesota fuel stations offer Unleaded 88, with more on the way thanks in part to investments by Minnesota Corn.
Investments paying off
In a statement, Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council Chair Doug Albin said the data shows that Minnesota Corn’s investments in biofuel promotion and infrastructure on behalf of corn farmers are paying off. He noted that the investments also are benefiting ethanol producers and Minnesota consumers.
Minnesota Corn’s biofuel investments have included a $1 million grant to a state biofuel infrastructure grant program. The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) successfully advocated for the creation of the program at the state Legislature in 2021.
The investments also include the Better Fuel Initiative outreach campaign, which highlights the benefits of biofuel blends to Minnesota consumers. In 2022, Better Fuel Initiative ads featuring KFAN’s Chris Hawkey played on media channels throughout the state.
“Minnesota Corn continues to successfully highlight the many benefits of Unleaded 88 and higher biofuel blends,” Albin said. “We’re excited about these sales numbers and appreciate that consumers are putting their trust in this cleaner-burning, lower-cost fuel.”
MCGA President Richard Syverson said his organization will continue advocating for policies that support Unleaded 88 and biofuel blends.
“Unleaded 88 supports family corn farmers, rural communities, and all Minnesotans through its cost savings and air quality benefits,” he said. “We appreciate that consumers are choosing this fuel and look forward to supporting its expansion around Minnesota in years to come.”
To learn more about Unleaded 88 and its benefits, visit mnfuels.com.
