by Recently, there has been some calm in the automotive gas market – there are no supply disruptions, and prices are within the usual range of ‘slightly less’ than half the cost of gasoline. At the same time, the number of gas-powered vehicles is steadily growing, and supply has increased thanks to illegal ‘barrels’ that have begun to appear on the roads again, albeit not on a large scale. Experts from the Kyiv Institute of Consumer Expertise conducted a raid on the largest gas station networks and their illegal counterparts to check the quality of gas dispensed to motorists, as the winter season is approaching, and the parameters of such fuel should meet the cold season requirements. 
The checks were conducted on large gas station chains (BRS-HNAFTA, WOG, KLO, Shell, OKKO, Sun Oil, Glusco, Avias) as well as large networks in the capital and regions (Marshall, Avantage 7), and several ‘barrels.’ Experts paid special attention to illegal gas stations and the Avantage 7 network, as unusually low prices were recorded there, sometimes 20-30 percent lower than other networks. Experts collected samples in a special sampler, after which the samples were delivered to a certified laboratory.
As for the sampling procedure itself, both network gas stations and ‘illegals’ had no problems dispensing fuel for analysis. Moreover, at some ‘barrels,’ they even started issuing fiscal receipts, which was previously a rare observation. 
The first thing experts measured was the accuracy of gas filling – the most criticized parameter by drivers. Many motorists measure mileage and complain that they pump more gas than the tank capacity. According to the standards, underfilling should not exceed 1%, but achieving such a result at the pump is quite difficult.
Nevertheless, in reality, the results were excellent – all network gas stations had a filling accuracy above 97%. The most accurate filling was dispensed by BRS-HNAFTA and KLO – 99.0% and WOG – 98.5 percent, Sun Oil – 98%. On the other side of the scale are ‘illegals,’ Marshall, and Avantage 7. Here, underfilling amounted to 10% – 15%. In fairness, it should be noted that underfilling may happen without malicious intent – it can occur due to untimely maintenance of the pumps.
In the laboratory, samples were tested for compliance with DSTU EN589:2017 on the ‘Component composition’ indicator. As is known, automotive gas consists of a mixture of propane and butane, along with other hydrocarbons (isobutane, propylene, ethane, ethylene, etc.). The quantitative content of the mixture may vary for different times of the year – in summer, it is approximately 40:60 (propane to butane) and in winter, vice versa – 60:40. The more propane in the gas, the higher the saturated vapor pressure, which improves start-up qualities and fuel system operation during winter use. Overall, all large networks passed the test, showing great results.
However, in some networks, the gas was already ‘winter-ready,’ while in others, it was not. The best ratio was shown by samples of automotive gas Plus (BRS-HNAFTA), LPG MUSTANG (WOG), and LPG at KLO stations – more than 60% propane and less than 40% butane. This ratio provides the most complete combustion of the mixture, thus ensuring dynamics while maintaining driving economy. 
However, there was a record low propane content in ‘barrel’ gas – 31% with a norm of no less than 50±10%. The LPG figures in the Avantage 7 network are slightly better – 36% propane.
For a car, this will not cause significant harm, but the consumption of such gas will be much higher. One of the main points is also the brands of liquefied gas. There are mainly two – PBA (automotive propane-butane) and SPBT (technical propane-butane mixture). What’s the difference? The first brand is a purified gas adapted for use in cars, the second is ‘dirtier,’ intended for household needs (e.g., heating).
And here, unpleasant surprises were discovered. 
The European standard EN 589-2008 in the terms section treats automotive liquefied gas as containing an insignificant amount of unsaturated hydrocarbons (propylene, butenes, and pentanes (pentenes)). In the sample taken at an illegal gas station, they were much higher than the standard – over 10%! Based on this data, this fuel cannot be classified as automotive. According to requirements for SPBT, a liquid residue of up to 1.6% is allowed, while for PBA, the presence of residue is not permissible.
Furthermore, the allowable sulfur content limit in PBA is lower than in SPBT (and according to EN 589 requirements – no more than 50 mg/kg). The presence of liquid residue in SPBT when used in cars leads to the accumulation of residue in tanks, clogging filters, and fuel system malfunctions. Another important parameter is also gas density. The greater it is, the longer the mileage per filling under the same conditions. In this parameter, the highest indicators were demonstrated by samples from WOG, OKKO, BRS-HNAFTA, and KLO networks.
In general, the situation with the quality of automotive gas showed that small networks and illegal sellers indulge in selling household gas under the guise of automotive. However, large networks sell quality fuel of either Ukrainian or foreign production. It remains to be wished that the supplies be rhythmic and the market does not experience a shortage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP8ssq_0oVk
Alexander Babenko
