Pakistan

Petrol Prices Double in 3 Years, High-Octane Fuel Gaining Popularity

Islamabad:Petrol prices in Pakistan have witnessed a dramatic increase over the past three years, with the price of a litre of petrol rising from Rs. 150 in April 2022 to Rs. 260 currently, after surpassing Rs. 300. This surge in petrol prices has led to a significant rise in monthly expenses for many citizens, prompting some to allocate separate budgets for fuel. In response, many have opted for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Alongside regular petrol and diesel, several large petrol pumps across the country also offer high-octane fuel, which is priced slightly higher than regular petrol. Some newer vehicles exclusively run on high-octane fuel, while others mix it with regular petrol for better fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Since high-octane fuel is not regulated by the government, its price varies from one petrol pump to another. Currently, the price for a litre of high-octane fuel is Rs. 261.9 at Attock Petrol Pump, Rs. 263 at PSO stations, and Rs. 264 at Shell petrol pumps.

In an exclusive conversation with V News, Sunil Manj, the head of PakWheels, emphasized the importance of high-octane fuel for vehicle performance. “The difference in fuel average (kilometers per litre) is not huge with high-octane, but it significantly improves engine health and reduces maintenance costs,” he said.

He compared high-octane fuel to a well-nourished athlete versus one with poor nutrition, stating that the performance difference in a car using high-octane is similar. “Another benefit of high-octane is that it increases engine life. If an engine runs for 300,000 km on regular petrol, it can last up to 500,000 km on high-octane fuel. It’s especially beneficial for hybrid vehicles.”

Jahangir Khan, a senior officer at Pakistan State Oil (PSO), also spoke to V News, explaining that petrol’s octane level is typically 92, but oil marketing companies in Pakistan are providing 97-octane fuel, known as high-octane. “High-octane is derived by refining crude oil more thoroughly. Its use not only improves vehicle performance but also benefits the environment,” he said.

Khan further explained that high-octane fuel improves fuel efficiency, with vehicles running up to 16.5 km per litre instead of the usual 15 km on regular petrol. “Additionally, it reduces strain on the engine during uphill journeys, increases engine life, and reduces the frequency of changing essential parts like fuel plugs.”

The growing popularity of high-octane fuel reflects its advantages in terms of engine performance and overall vehicle efficiency, making it an increasingly popular choice for drivers in Pakistan.

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