Portugal's National Authority for the Fuel Market is heading a campaign to persuade s drivers that the new cheap fuel now on sale is perfectly OK to use and that additives in more expensive fuels make no difference to engine wear or fuel consumption.
The Authority message is that "the question of additives is a commercial one," and that even if they were needed, car manufacturers would demand their inclusion in fuels.
"All fuels sold in Portugal respect the European standard of quality, which is the most stringent standard in the world," according to the public body that manages the national oil reserves and monitors the fuel market.
The Minister of Energy, Moreira da Silva is launching an awareness campaign to be launched next week to combat the fuel company association’s claim of market manipulation and restraint of trade and that fuel with additives leads to better consumption figures and longer engine life.
To the National Authority for the Fuel Market led by Paulo Carmona, "the question of additives is a commercial matter" "if additives were needed, the car makers would require their inclusion in the European fuel standard."
The awareness campaign is in response to those who say the simple fuels, which since April 17 have been on sale in all national petrol stations, are of a lower quality.
Consumer Protection Association DECO also has claimed that fuels with additives are no different to fuels without additives when it comes to consumption and wear and tear on engines.
"There's nothing to fear about the quality of low cost fuels," argues the association, based on tests conducted in December 2012.
At the time, four equal vehicles travel the same route daily for a total of 12,000 kilometers using four diesel types. The result showed no discernible difference in the accumulation of deposits or wear and tear on the engine.
"There are no differences between fuels except in their price," according to Victor Machado from DECO which then complained to ASAE that fuel companies were misleading the public in their advertising.
Last week, Moreira da Silva said in Parliament that the introduction of low cost fuels represents a potential annual saving of €200 million at current consumption levels.
The consumer is able to do his or her own research with many reports available on the internet that contradict the DECO analysis and the government's claims.
Comments
Obviously quality comes at a price and the supermarkets can buy bulk without carrying the overheads the Shells of this world has and therefore they can sell cheaper. Additionally they are trying to tempt you into their supermarket to do your shop so it can be seen as a bit of a loss leader.
Don't forget that the majority of the cost of a litre of fuel goes to the taxman not the oil compan
Not only in Portugal, Balthazar. They sell these products everywhere, and many consumers choose to believe the claims and pay for them.
Knock [pre-ignition] reduction in a properly serviced petrol/gasoline engine is all about using a fuel with the correct octane rating.
Diesel motors knock by design.
You need an additive if the outside temperature is -10C or lower. It's already in the fuel in thise places that need it.
One curiosity we can all see for ourselves; here in Portugal as well as the rest of Europe and the world, the major users of diesel fuel are heavy trucking and agriculture. These users usually have their own pumps. None of them are offered "premium" fuel. Believe me, if these users could save 1% on their maintenance or fuel costs, they would all demand those products.
When it comes to petrol [gasolina], you need an octane rating suitable for your engine. higher or lower can cause damage over time. Buy other additives and colorful products if it pleases your heart.
Portugal claiming to meet European standards for fuel quality yet, mysteriously, fuel additives that in a developed country clean catalytic converters and carburettors and reduce knock - in Portugal are a spoof to cheat motorists into paying more. As the additives do nothing special for my car.
Proving yet again that you can take the Portuguese out of the souk - but cannot ever take the souk out of us, the Portuguese !