There's this from the internut....... seems it depends on a few different factors. We may end up having to dilute 100 low lead at some point....
In Canada, the ethanol content in premium gasoline isn’t uniform across all brands and provinces—it depends on the fuel supplier and local regulations.
National and provincial rules
Federally, Canada’s Renewable Fuels Regulations require gasoline producers to ensure an average of 5% ethanol across all grades they sell. �
Provinces can (and do) set higher mandates. For example:
Manitoba requires at least 10% ethanol in all gasoline sold. �
Ontario is moving toward 13% by 2028 and 15% by 2030, which pushes blends higher over time. �
Other provinces (e.g., BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan) often see E5–E10 blends depending on the brand and region. �
Because the 5% rule is an average by brand, many retailers historically kept premium (91/93 octane) ethanol‑free or very low, while putting more ethanol (up to 10%) into regular and mid‑grade to meet the average. �
What you’ll actually find at the pump today
Ethanol content in premium gas varies by brand and has been shifting:
Some brands explicitly sell ethanol‑free premium:
Canadian Tire: “up to 10% ethanol in regular and mid‑grade; no ethanol in premium.” �
Shell V‑Power NiTRO+ premium: marketed in Canada as not containing ethanol. �
Some “top tier” 91‑octane premiums are also described as having no ethanol added. �
Other brands and regions now include ethanol in premium:
Several sources note that many premium grades now contain up to 10% ethanol (E10), especially where provincial rules or supply changes have pushed ethanol into all grades. �
In some cases, companies state that all grades, including premium, contain up to 10% ethanol to comply with regulations. �
Historically, a common pattern was:
Regular: often E10 (up to 10% ethanol)
Mid‑grade: often E5–E10
Premium: often E0–E5, sometimes E10 depending on brand/province �
But that’s no longer universal; in several markets premium is now E10 as well. �
How to know for sure at your station
Because it varies:
Check the small yellow/orange ethanol label on the pump; Canadian regulations require stations to indicate which grades “may contain up to X% ethanol.” �
Look at the brand’s website or fuel specs (e.g., Shell, Canadian Tire, Petro‑Canada, Esso) for their current blend info in your province.
If you need guaranteed ethanol‑free fuel (e.g., for small engines, boats, or certain performance cars), confirm with the specific station or consider dedicated ethanol‑free gasoline products where available