28 Sept 2006

Abu Dhabi: Low octane fuels can be detrimental to vehicle engines and the environment, experts warned on Wednesday, suggesting that oil-rich countries must produce quality fuels.

"The higher the octane number, the better the quality of fuel and it means a better characteristic for combustion. Better combustion means lower pollutants," said Pier Paolo Cazzola, Analyst, Technical Division, International Energy Agency (IEA).

"In general terms, lower octane means it may have negative effects on the life of the engine. However, one needs to carry out tests of the fuel and consider the results," the Paris-based analyst told Gulf News.

In the EU, unleaded gasoline of high octane 95 and 98 are used and it is similar in the US and some other countries, he said.

However, Adnoc Distribution reiterated that its new fuel to be introduced next month is unleaded and with lesser additives, making it environment friendly and urged consumers to check with their car dealers or specialists before opting for the new fuel.

The new fuel E-Plus 91 will be available across some 200 petrol stations of Adnoc across the UAE from October 8.

"The new fuel is unleaded and definitely environment-friendly. The idea behind introducing it is to provide a cost-efficient environment friendly fuel in the UAE," said Dr Mohammad Nader, Manager, Quality Control, Adnoc Distribution.

But Cazzola disputed this claim as "silly" because leaded fuels have been phased out. "To some extent it may be right to claim that the unleaded fuel is environment friendly but it doesn't bring any advantage and is not particularly better. The only advantage is it is cheaper."

Unleaded fuels can be used in cars that are equipped with catalytic converters which means lower emissions of local pollutants, he added.

"Because of their reserves, the Gulf countries can justify their investments in refineries to produce high quality fuels," said Cazzola.

"Higher the octane number, cleaner is the burning and it is better for the engine and you gain more performance."

Octane number
An octane number is a measure of gasoline's ability to resist pre-ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." If your vehicle doesn't "ping" or "knock" or if the manufacturer doesn't specifically require a higher octane, then regular or "87" octane is all you need.  

Gasoline facts
Higher octane level could mean more fuel effiency. Lower octane level means it may have negative effects on the life of the engine. The three types of fuels are E-Plus: 91 Octane, Special: 95 Octane and Super: 98 Octane.

By Stanley Carvalho

Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.