Auto engineers have touted the benefits of high-octane fuel for years. Marry a high-grade gasoline with the latest high- compression engines, and you can capture an easy 3 to 4 percent fuel efficiency gain at modest expense. Politically, it's not so simple.
Automakers don't control the fuel supply. Consumers don't want to pay 15 percent more for the privilege of being eco-friendly. And powerful vested interests including Big Oil and agribusiness are involved.
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