by For the first time in 2 years, the cost of automotive gas has reached 50 percent of the cost of gasoline and continues to rise. In some networks, the price is about 12 hryvnias per liter, which does not thrill car owners with LPG systems. In addition, some companies are lobbying for the introduction of additional duties on imported gas and diesel. 
In such a situation, many unscrupulous traders are tempted to ‘tinker with’ the quality of autogas or the accuracy of the fill. Specialists from the Capital Institute of Consumer Expertise decided to check the quality of gas offered to Ukrainian customers.
A control sampling with subsequent testing in a certified laboratory revealed significant differences in gas from different samples. The selection of participants has been made.
The large nationwide gas station networks (Shell, BRS Oil, OKKO, Glusco, Amic), the capital network (KLO), several large regional operators (Sun Oil, Marshall, Avantage 7), and ‘barrels,’ i.e., illegal gas stations, came under scrutiny. By the way, the latter has significantly decreased recently, but they can still be found on the road. Experts took samples into a special sampler, after which the samples were delivered to the laboratory. How much do they ‘inflate’?
The accuracy of gas filling is the most criticized parameter by drivers.
Many motorists measure mileage and complain that they are being filled with more gas than the tank capacity. According to regulations, underfill can be no more than 1%, but achieving such a result at the pump is quite difficult. Experts took 5 liters of gas at each gas station, measured the empty sampler’s mass, then the full one, and recalculated the volume using a formula that considers density. The results were very polar and not always pleasing for consumers. 
In the Power Gas sample at Shell stations, the best result was found – they ‘filled’ even more than paid for – 5.05 liters!
Apparently, the company values its status as a serious international company, so they are extremely meticulous about equipment checks, not allowing even a hint of deviation. BRS Oil network is also not lagging in the accuracy of the ‘fill’ dose – 5.03 liters. At KLO, fuel was also released exactly per the receipt. However, Marshall and Avantage 7 stations (4.6 liters instead of the paid 5) and the ‘illegal’ one released only 3.92 liters! And if the first two cases can still be attributed to savings on timely column maintenance, in the case of the ‘barrel,’ it seems that the buyer is being deliberately deceived..
It turns out that the low price on the sign does not correlate with the number of kilometers the car will travel. As a result, the desired economy effect is not achieved. What did the laboratory tests show?
In the laboratory, the samples were first tested for compliance with the requirements of the relevant GOST, according to the ‘Component composition’ indicator. As is known, automotive gas consists of a mixture of propane and butane, as well as other hydrocarbons (isobutane, propylene, ethane, ethylene, etc.).
For different times of the year, the quantitative content of the mixture may differ – in summer, it is approximately 40:60 (propane to butane), in winter the opposite – 60:40. The higher the propane content in the gas, the higher the saturated vapor pressure and the better the starting properties and operation of the fuel equipment during the winter period of operation. Our study showed that all participants met the standard, but the range of actual indicators was quite significant. The best ratio was demonstrated by the Power Gas sample at Shell stations – 60 propane and 35 butane. Such figures provide the most complete mixture combustion, which means maintaining ride economy while ensuring dynamic performance.
Also, this sample had low levels of propylene content, harmful to the fuel system. 
The experts also placed automotive gas from the BRS Oil network (59:36) among the leaders in terms of indicators. As previously reported in an interview by the ‘Enkorr’ publication, BRS Oil network is very serious about controlling the percentage ratio of propane and butane. The KLO sample, with its well-balanced component composition (58:37) and low propylene content, also deserves mention. The brands of liquefied gas are also crucial.
There are two main ones – PBA (automotive propane-butane) and SPBT (technical propane-butane mix). What is the difference? The first brand is refined gas, adapted for use in cars, the second is more ‘dirty,’ intended for household needs (e.g., heating). According to the requirements for SPBT, a liquid residue of up to 1.6% is allowed, while for PBA, the presence of residue is not permitted. The presence of a liquid residue in SPBT when used in vehicles leads to residue accumulation in tanks, filter clogging, and fuel equipment malfunctions.
Unlike previous research by the Institute, this time all samples were automotive gas, and no liquid residue was detected in any sample. Finally, another important parameter, gas density, was checked. The higher it is, the greater the mileage with one fill under equal conditions. In this parameter, the highest values were demonstrated by the samples of BRS Oil and Shell networks with, respectively, 540.2 and 540.5 kg/m3. However, the gas from Avantage 7 and the ‘barrel’ turned out to be the least dense – 530 and 525.6 kg/m3.
Large networks sell ‘cleaner’ gas, while others attract with low prices
Despite the significant price increase, automotive gas has improved over the last year. Gas at stations has truly become ‘automotive’ – there is no more ‘dirty’ household gas, although it was sold en masse just a year ago. Undoubtedly, there is a difference – large, reputable networks strive to sell more ‘clean’ and ‘premium’ automotive gas, whereas regional and medium networks prefer to attract with a low price. However, a pleasant ‘price’ on the gas station sign does not always guarantee profit – ultimately, only the distance traveled on a certain amount of money is important. Alexander Babenko
