Clearing forests for cropland has an “indirect” impact on emissions

Less than a fifth of biofuels in UK vehicle tanks meet environmental standards, data on the fuels showed.

The first monthly report on the supply of biofuels showed that 19% met standards aimed at preventing problems such as deforestation, loss of wildlife, pollution and water contamination.

The report from the Renewable Fuels Agency also showed that both the plant crop used and the country it came from are only known in slightly more than half (57%) of biofuels.

The Agency, whose data comes from reports submitted by fuel suppliers, said the market was dominated by imports.

It also said greenhouse gas savings of 42% on conventional fuels were achieved - but that did not take into account the possible emissions associated with "indirect" impacts such as clearing forests for cropland.

The report relates to the first month after the introduction of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) in April, requiring suppliers to source a growing percentage of transport fuels from biological sources ranging from soy to palm oil.

In the wake of its publication, environmental groups hit out at the damage the supposedly-green fuels could be doing to the natural world and climate.

Asad Rehman, Friends of the Earth's biofuels campaigner, said: "The shocking admission that we are unable to identify the origin of nearly half the biofuels used in the UK means that the Government cannot assure the British people that the biofuels in their petrol tanks have not destroyed rainforests.

"That less than a fifth of the biofuels used fail to meet even minimal environmental standards adds further weight to Friends of the Earth's view that they are a phoney solution to climate change."

The fifth of biofuels found to meet environmental standards compares to a target of 30% for the year.