Fuel dealers in Sweden are now obliged to show eco-labels at pumps in what is considered to be the first initiative of its kind in the world.

From today, it will be mandatory for vending machines for liquids and gas transport fuels to be labeled with their climate intensity, renewable share and origin.

Dealers must also display the information on charging points for electric vehicles and on their websites.

The campaigns said that the Scandinavian country was the first in the world to call for such an initiative after a nearly decade-long attempt to introduce them.

The eco-labels – which are monitored by the Swedish Energy Agency, which will also monitor their impact – show a color-coded assessment of climate intensity, the proportion of renewable raw materials and fossil raw materials and web links for further information.

It is hoped that the labels will highlight the differences in environmental impact between fossil fuels, biofuels and electricity for drivers and make them aware of the value of sustainable fuels. It is also intended to enable fuel producers and retailers to compete fairly on the basis of sustainability.

“We have been fighting for eco-labels on fuel dispensers for almost ten years,” says Marie Pellas, chairman of Swedish Green Motorists. “We are very happy that they are finally here.”

The association said that Sweden’s eco-labeling system had been established so that theoretically other EU member states could easily implement it. Pellas said she hoped it would inspire other countries to “follow Sweden’s example”.

In December, Cambridge, Massachusetts, became the first city in the United States to mandate yellow warning stickers on fuel pumps about the dangers of the climate crisis. The city aims to reduce planetary heat emissions by 80% and compensate the rest by 2050 to become carbon neutral.

In the UK, Andy Haines, Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is among those who have called for warning labels at fossil fuel outlets including gas stations, energy bills and airline tickets.