In most cases fuel takes most “thrashing” for the downsides of car operation both from car owners and from car mechanics (who often wish to cover up their lack of competence). In February “the Institute for Consumer Expertise” tested A-95 Petrol at some FS in the capital. Its staff shared the results of laboratory testing with us.

Fuel samples were taken in Kyiv for one simple reason – here, in the capital, is the greatest share of vehicles per one person. In the future, such testing will be made in other regions of Ukraine and at major highways. 95 Petrol was the first because most foreign cars run on it. Besides, car repairs required after low-quality fuel might cost the owner quite a sum of money. Fuel quality was tested at large network FS for the following reasons: most car drivers will agree to fill the tank at a lonesome Kolkhoz “Bright Future” FS only in exceptional cases. Moreover, independent filling stations are of interest to a limited number of people, while examination of how network FS are operated will lead to useful insights for a larger number of drivers.

Tests were carried out by experts from the laboratory of the Institute of Bio-organic Chemistry and Oil Chemistry within Ukraine’s National Academy of Humanities and Sciences.

FS Subject to Testing

1. UP – 48 Bratyslavska Str.;
2. Ukrtatnafta – 1-a Zaliznodorozhne Rd.;
3. OKKO – Chokoliv Boulevard;
4. Klo (TNKJobber) – 2 VelykaOkruzhna Str.;
5. UB INVEST (TNK Jobber) – 22 Petropavlivska Str.;
6. Lukoil – 139-a Velyka Vasylkivska Str.;
7. Naftogaz-Ekoil – 11-b Peremohy Avenue;
8. Eukos (TNK Jobber) – 27 Perova Boulevard;
9. Klo (TNK Jobber) – 53 Hlibochytska Str.;

Characteristics Tested

All standards were taken from DSTU 4063-2001 (Ukraine’s State Standards)

Precision of Filling

At tested FS, the underfilled amount did not exceed 5-10 milliliters per 5 liter of petrol bought. These are quite good indicators.

Octane Number

Established by Engine Method. Lower octane indicators may lead to premature burning of petrol in the combustion chamber.This is coupled with a slump in engine power, appearance of detonation and other drawbacks.

The news we have for you is good. In this testing all our “Guinea pigs” manages to keep their good standing – no FS demonstrated a result lower than they claimed.Though, some had to go out of their way to succeed – UP and Naftogaz-Ekoil (demonstrating 85 under engine testing which is equal to 95 points in petrol identification). Still, everyone decently passed the test. And OKKO managed to show the best result (86.3 – by engine method, 96.3 – laboratory testing, which means quality reserve is 1.3 points), though it had the largest lead content at the same time.

Breakup

Petrol is characterized by saturated chemical composition. It is composed of several different cut factions with different boiling temperature. Excessive amount of low-boiling fractions leads to a pronounced premature fuel vaporization in the combustion chamber. Excessive amount of high-boiling fractions in fuel leads to appearance of vapor locks in the fuel system.

Insignificant inconsistencies with DSTU formal standards of minimal temperature have been observed at UB Invest FS (28 in place of 30).Overall, the verdict for all filling stations under all these characteristics – “everything within the norm”.Somewhat lighter fractional composition (50% of cut fractions boiling at temperatures below 90C) is observed at OKKO.Highest distillation temperature has been demonstrated by petrol purchased at UP FS – almost 115C. All other samples vary within the norm, which speaks of the Oil Refinery owners’ intention to maintain high quality of fuel they offer.

Sulfur Content

Sulfur contained in motor fuel reacts with oxygen (is oxidized) while the fuel is burning. Beyond doubt, the resulting sulfuric acid is far from being the best environment for operation of the engine’s metallic parts.

The general assessment principle runs “the less, the better”.Eukos and Naftogaz-Ekoil FS have gone far ahead of the others (with their indicators practically reaching zero!).Most sulfur has been observed in Lukoil fuel.

Lead

Its excessive concentration in petrol leads to an increased toxicity of outgoing gases, an increased amount of coating on candles and valves.Therefore, fuel must contain as little lead as possible. Three leaders included TNK Jobbers - Eukos – 1^st place, and two KLO FS.

Service

During their visits, experts of the Institute for Consumer Expertise also assessed the overall standard of service at FS.

• OKKO – staff – grade 5, a vacuum-cleaner, tire-pumping, a small shop selling car products available, downsides – the toilet has to be paid for (as a result of FS location nest to a radio goods market), a car wash unavailable.
• Naftogaz – Ekoil – staff – grade 5, public telephone (unavailable elsewhere), a car wash, a big shop, a toilet, tire-pumping available, convenient approaches (from Peremohy Avenue and Borshchahivska Str.).
• UB iNVEST – staff – grade 5, a public telephone, a car wash, a currency exchange, a toilet, tire-pumping, a vacuum-cleaner available, downsides – the shop and the cafe out of operation (under construction).
• Ukrtatnafta – staff - grade 5, a shop, a cafe, a public telephone, an automatic car wash, tire-pumping, a vacuum-cleaner, a toilet available;
• Lukoil – staff - grade 5, a shop, a public telephone, a vacuum-cleaner, tire-pumping available; no toilet;
• Eukos – most efficient staff, a shop, a public telephone available, downsides – no tire-pumping, car wash, vacuum-cleaner, toilet;
• UP – staff - grade 5, a shop, a public telephone, a toilet, a vacuum-cleaner, tire-pumping available; no telephone and cafe;
• KLO – staff – grade 5, a full package of services.

Summary

The situation around the capital’s most popular 95 petrol is very good.ALL major players o the market of retail trade in light oils (95 petrol) have demonstrated a decent result. Some stations have minor downsides, but this is adequately compensated by European standards of service. To summarize, car drivers may be confident – in February, the quality of fuel at examined FS complied with all requirements. If you regularly fill your tank at the said FS, and a car mechanic has attributed some car failures to fuel quality – you can easily say goodbye to him!

O the whole, Kyiv cannot serve as the indicator for Ukraine.Competition is very severe here, there are experts, managers, other authorities to complain to. What about the same affairs in remote regions, especially on highways where everyone fills the tank on a transit trip? It’s common knowledge that local “barons” hold only one criterion of quality – the notion of personal benefit. So, the Institute for Consumer Needs and its program of independent quality control at filling stations is an on-going unlimited project. Its activities will cover all regions of Ukraine without exception.

Very Important Note

“Many more characteristics of petrol types can be tested in comparison to the number of tests that we did. But characteristics that we have selected will carry most information for the end user. Remembering that perfection, as we know, has no limits – while implementing next stages we will attempt to publicize other critical petrol characteristics”.