Gasoline Now Being Sold in Brazil Has Changed Specifications

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The sale of gasoline started yesterday with new specifications from the ANP fuel regulator. The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels  published a resolution in January granting a deadline up to yesterday for fuel producers to adjust to the new rules.

As a result, regular gasoline gains in quality and is closer to the European standard. The price of the fuel may also change, which may raise the cost to consumers. Petrobras, which holds 90 percent of the domestic market, says it is now complying with the new standards.

Below are the fuel specifications that have changed:

Consumption

Requirement of a minimum specific mass (or density), which directly impacts on consumption. When there is low fuel density, there is also a lower energy content per liter.

Octane rating

A change in the method of counting gasoline octane – level of gasoline’s resistance to compression in the engine. The higher the octane quantity, the more resistant the fuel is to burning and therefore has a better efficiency level. Previously, Brazilian gasoline should have at least 87 octanes. It now must have 92. In 2022, it will reach 93.

Temperature

Minimum temperature of 77° C for the distillation of 50 percent of gasoline. This ensures a fuel with good drivability.

More economical cars

The new standard optimizes fuel burning, resulting in greater savings per liter. However, experts differ on the result. Petrobras, on the other hand, claims an income gain of up to five percent, on average, with the use of new gasoline.

Price difference

Increase in fuel prices: Although Petrobras has not yet reported what the difference in fuel prices will be, the company’s director of refining and natural gas, Anelise Lara, said it would be a trend for gasoline to increase its per liter price after the new rules come into force.

Quality

It will be harder to adulterate gasoline. With the new specification, it will be more difficult for products such as light solvents to be added to the fuel. There is now a minimum standard, containing more dense solvents, which contributes to monitoring.

Gasoline with Additives

Gasoline with additives – or premium gasoline – will also follow the same changes as regular gasoline. From a minimum 91 octane in the current standard, it will rise to 97. It will continue to have a higher yield than regular gasoline.

What happens to old gasoline?

Service stations will be allowed to market the former-specification gasoline until November 3rd.

Source: Exame