In Ukraine, a Large-Scale Inspection of A-95 Gasoline Quality Was Conducted

According to official statistics, the share of Belarusian gasoline in Ukraine in total imports has reached 80 percent. As is known, the refineries of our neighbor are thoroughly modernized and produce Euro 5 standard fuel. So, there shouldn’t be any problems with the quality? This was decided to be investigated by experts from the Institute of Consumer Expertise, conducting a raid on the most popular gas station networks. And it turned out that refueling with ‘fifth’ gasoline can still be a quest with sad consequences.

The main attention of the experts was given to large nationwide networks, but medium and regional networks positioning themselves in the market as discounters also came “under the gun.” In a recent study of diesel fuel conducted by the Institute, the latter showed a decent result, offering quality fuel at a price lower than the main players. How will things stand with gasoline? In this study, samples from 13 networks were selected – BRS-M Nafta, WOG, MOTTO, KLO, OKKO, Amic, Chipo, GLUSCO, ANP, Marshall, Sun Oil, Shell, and Avantage.

The samples were sent to a certified laboratory where they were examined for compliance with the standards of the profile DSTU 7687:2015 (Gasoline A-95-Euro5). The samples were tested on the main parameters – octane number, sulfur content, and the volume fraction of aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene. The results were not pleasing – three samples turned out to be nonconforming.

First of all, the most critical parameter for engine operation was checked – the octane number, which characterizes the fuel’s resistance to detonation – premature combustion of gasoline in the combustion chamber. Detonation is harmful to the engine not only due to increased fuel consumption and reduced power but also due to premature engine wear because of extra loads. The octane number was measured by the research method. According to it, the norm is established at a level of not less than 95 units. All samples, except for one, met the standard, furthermore, almost all had a ‘reserve’ of two or more units! The ‘ninety-seventh’ gasoline turned out to be from the BRS-M Nafta and KLO networks (97.2 and 97 units). However, in gasoline from the Avantage and Marshall networks, ‘octane’ was ‘lacking’ – 93 and 88 (!) units respectively, which does not meet the standard.

Next, experts checked another essential indicator – sulfur content. If this harmful substance is too much in the fuel, it leads to deposit formation, clogging of fuel injectors, and the ‘death’ of the catalyst. Moreover, the exhaust becomes ‘dirtier,’ and very dangerous oxides get into the air we breathe. DSTU for A-95-Euro5 requires no more than 10 mg/kg. Here, the situation also turned out to be not bad, but there were unpleasant exceptions. Avantage network’s gasoline turned out to have a sulfur content of 393 mg/kg! Also, an excess of sulfur content was found in a sample of Marshall’s fuel. These are very significant excesses, capable of delivering a mortal blow to the engine. For comparison, the leaders had the minimum sulfur content – BRS-M Nafta (5 mg/kg), KLO, OKKO (5.2 and 5.9 mg/kg respectively).

Another significant parameter – benzene content. This substance can wash off the oily film, which leads to increased engine cylinder wear. DSTU regulates the volume part of benzene content at a level of no more than 1%. In this parameter, the violators are Marshall and Avantage, where benzene was 15 times (!) higher than the established norm! The least harmful substance was found in samples taken at Shell gas stations (0.51%) and BRS-M Nafta – 0.40 percent.

As for the content of aromatic hydrocarbons, DSTU regulates the content of aromatic hydrocarbons in gasoline of the 5th environmental class not more than 35% by volume. Exceeding threatens with an increased deposition process. In this parameter, all the tested samples met the standard, no violations were found.

The results of the study are generally very similar to the results of diesel fuel – in networks of the ‘second’ echelon (by the number of stations) – for example, BRS-M Nafta, KLO, or GLUSCO, the fuel quality is stable and often exceeds the performance of large ‘premium’ networks, at a lower cost per liter. Moreover, the factor of service or assortments of food or shops is almost completely leveled out – now at BRS-M Nafta, the concept has completely changed from ‘gas station with a store’ to ‘a store with the possibility of refueling.’ And KLO is building new ones and reconstructing complexes with a focus on premium service. But at the same time, in some networks, profit is still put above reputation, selling non-standard fuel, often at a very low price.

Vadim Krivenko