Premium fuels are driving profits AUSTRALIA'S petrol retailers have defied the tight margins and tighter scrutiny of regular unleaded petrol markets, with profits rising strongly as more motorists turn to premium fuels. An increased appetite for European cars, which require higher-octane fuels, as well as schemes such as the NSW government's mandated ethanol content, are compelling motorists to fill up with premium unleaded fuels. The NSW ethanol mandate has reduced the availability of regular unleaded fuel, and has also prompted some motorists to use premium unleaded out of concern about the performance of ethanol fuel.