Oil Agas affected by EU green fuel ruling

Shropshire owners of oil-fired Agas are finding their ranges are going out because of a ruling from Europe insisting on greener fuel.

The fuel supply in the cast-iron cookers, made in Shropshire at Aga's factory in Coalbrookdale, are becoming blocked because an EU directive says low sulphur oil, which creates a thick sediment, should be used. The measure is part of a package devised by officials in Brussels to cut greenhouse gases.

But it has had unintended consequences for families who rely on their Agas to cook and heat their homes as the burners are starved of fuel and go out.

Aga engineer Dave Shipton, of DS Plumbing, says he has seen a rise in calls because of the use of oil which is low in sulphur.

"With this new EU regulation, to cut down on emissions, what's happening is that Aga owners have to use low sulphur fuel which carbonises more quickly.

"This creates a thick black coke, the fuel supply is only around a 4mm diameter so it clogs up easily. It's a problem which is becoming more frequent. I'm having more service calls now, it used to be every 12 months for Agas but I'm often doing Agas every nine months because of carbon build-up."

Aga today insisted the problem was not confined to its Aga ranges.

Spokeswoman Laura James said: "Essentially this affects all appliances which use oil and oil producers, trade body Oftec and manufacturers are looking into it.

"The vast majority of Agas are not oil-fuelled.

"If customers have a problem, they should ring Aga and we will come and have a look."

The development is the latest blow for Aga lovers who have previously been warned the cookers are less than environmentally friendly.

Earlier this year, the environmentalist George Monbiot launched his Campaign Against Agas, claiming that they pump out nine tons of carbon dioxide in a year.