Hunter motorists are angry that the NSW Government has forced them to buy ethanol-blended fuel or pay extra for premium petrol.

Petrol stations have been introducing the ethanol-blend as their standard fuel in stages under a government mandate.

All standard petrol must be E10, a blend of 90 per cent unleaded and 10 per cent ethanol, by July 1 next year.

Swansea resident Julie Ellercamp said yesterday she was forced to buy the ethanol-blend because it was the cheapest fuel.

Valentine resident Russell Clements said he would not use the ethanol-blend over concerns it would harm his Toyota Corolla.

Mr Clements said he would pay more for premium unleaded fuel.

‘‘No one’s happy to pay extra, but this has been forced upon us,’’ he said.

Ethanol has been known to erode rubber seals, hoses and gaskets in the fuel systems of some vehicles.

Service Station Association chief executive Ron Bowden said ethanol did not damage vehicle engines.

‘‘Where there is an issue is the fuel system – the fuel tank, pump and line,’’ Mr Bowden said.

He said not every car was suitable for E10 and people should check with vehicle manufacturers.

Coles Express has introduced E10 with the same yellow-coloured pump as the previous standard unleaded petrol.

One Hunter service-station operator said many customers had not noticed the change.

A Shell spokesman said it labelled E10 fuel at six points at Coles Express outlets, including the pump.

Mr Bowden said the association thought ethanol was a good idea, but disagreed with the government mandate.

He said ethanol had benefits to the Australian economy and a small environmental advantage.

The NSW government conceded that E10 could increase fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent.