‘Boutique’ Fuels Not to Blame For Price Spikes, Panel Says

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pecial “boutique” fuel blends produced to meet local air-quality requirements did not contribute to the recent supply shortages and dramatic nationwide run-up of fuel prices, according to a task force of federal and state officials.

The Environmental Protection Agency set up the task force, made up of the nation’s state governors, at the request of President Bush, to determine whether specialty fuels caused higher prices.

The group said it recognized concerns from trucking and petroleum industry representatives who suggested that boutique fuels contribute to supply problems and price increases, but concluded those concerns were “not supported by any documentation."

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