I read with interest your article headed "Shelling out on Fuel" and the comments regarding Texaco. Valero has maintained the Texaco brand and general infrastructure. Texaco supply Super Plus Unleaded (SPUL) at 97 octane and with Clean System3, although they do not advertise the fact anymore. Other oil companies supply up to 99 Octane level for SPUL, but on the pricing front, SPUL is generally priced 4ppl - 10ppl higher than Unleaded(95 Octane) across all brands, as the throughputs are very small - average 3-4% of total volumes.

SPUL is marginally more expensive to refine, but the additive costs are minimal - approx 0.10ppl, and not the 2ppl as mentioned by the Texaco service station. The high price stance is mainly based on the type of driver who uses this fuel, as they tend to be bigger cars, driven by motorists who have little idea or care on price, and may in many cases be company car drivers on paid expenses and use their loyalty points to the max. In respect to Texaco service stations, nearly every station is owned by an individual operator/owner, group operator, etc but not by Valero, therefore the fuel supply agreement with Valero to sell Texaco fuel, is absolutely based on the service station setting its own price, as it would be illegal if the oil company dictated the price. This approach is no different from many other branded service stations, and not just Texaco.

Therefore the Texaco site in Bideford which was originally an ESSO would be setting its own price, and the additive issue is of little relevance, as it is a fragment of the cost of fuel. I hope this helps with your understanding. I would be grateful if you did not reference me in your newspaper.