The Wire

An innovative response to petrol sniffing is coming from surprising quarters. Petroleum giant British Petroleum (BP) has revealed plans for a form of unleaded petrol, without the intoxicating qualities of fuels currently on offer, to be sold in remote communities. Director of the Drug and Alcohol Council, Scott Wilson, says the measure opens possibilities for a redirection of Commonwealth funds into substance abuse and rehabilitation programs. Mr Wilson welcomes BP’s show of corporate responsibility, and has urged other sectors to consider a similar approach. The new fuel will replace the Comgas used in many Indigenous communities, which deters petrol sniffing, but is harmful to the environment.