E15 Marches Into Missouri Market

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Missouri drivers now have another option at the gas pump. Earlier this month, E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) made its Show-Me State debut at two Kum & Go locations in Springfield, Mo.

“The availability of E15 is great news for Missouri drivers,” noted Missouri Corn Growers Association President Morris Heitman of Mound City. “Ethanol is produced locally, with corn grown in Missouri. The addition of E15 at the pump provides an alternative to foreign oil and another opportunity to support this state’s rural economy.”

Kum & Go began offering E15 at their South Campbell location in Springfield March 2 and quickly followed suit at the North National station March 4. The chain anticipates six additional locations across Missouri will offer the ethanol blend by the end of the month, including two newly-constructed stores opening in Joplin and Republic featuring a new store prototype and fresh food offerings in addition to an expanded fuel selection.

“Kum & Go has a history of early adoption of ethanol blends, so the addition of E15 in Missouri is a natural fit for our fuel offering,” says Jim Pirolli, Kum & Go vice president of fuels. “E15 provides customers with a quality product at a great value-and one that’s in line with our focus on sustainability, as well.”  

One of the most rigorously tested fuels in history, the federal government approved the use of E15 in vehicles model year 2001 and newer in 2012. A rule was promulgated in 2014 by the Missouri Department of Agriculture allowing retailers in Missouri to distribute the fuel, bringing the state in line with 22 other states where E15 is available.

According to the Renewable Fuels Association, the list of approved vehicles constitutes more than 80 percent of the cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today.

Ethanol is also available for Missouri drivers in blends ranging from 10 percent up to 85 percent for Flexible Fuel Vehicles. Visit www.mocorn.org to learn more about ethanol production and find answers to frequently asked questions.