Fuels, petrol and what is best
- Details
- 16 October 2015
Here we list the most commonly used fuel types in Australia will help you understand their differences and to make educated decisions regarding your fuels.
Regular unleaded petrol
Benefits: wide application
Best use: for most passenger vehicles made post-1986
Designed to replace fuel with older technology, Regular unleaded petrol (ULP) was released to the consumer market in 1986. At this time the large majority of new vehicles were operating with catalytic converters to reduce emissions. This process made unleaded petrol, with a Research Octane Number of 91, the ideal choice for most drivers.
Premium unleaded petrol
Benefits: high performance fuel
Best use: engines with a high compression ratio
Premium unleaded petrol (PULP), when compared to ULP, has a much higher level of octane with a RON ranging from 95 to 98. This is a specific design choice for engines with a high compression ratio because the increased levels of octane assist the fuel in being knock resistant and, therefore, provide higher performance.
E10
Benefits: lower at pump costs
Best use: most engines
Compared to ULP and PULP, this type of fuel is a relative newcomer to the market. Designed to a specific formula of regular unleaded petrol and up to 10% renewable ethanol, this fuel is cheaper for the customer and can reduce emissions. Most engines with fuel injectors will be able to run on E10 petrol but for a definitive answer consult your user manual.
Biodiesel
Benefits: positive environmental impact
Best use: petroleum alternative
Derived from renewable plant and animal feedstocks, Biodiesel is formulated by fatty acids such as tallow and vegetable oil. This type of fuel is widely used by those looking for a more environmentally friendly fuel source.
Diesel
Benefits: economical performance
Best use: diesel-designed engines
Designed for compression ignition diesel-fuelled engines, diesel fuel is specifically formulated. A diesel has lower fuel consumption than a similar ULP engine due to its higher compression ratio. This is replicated in the formula of this fuel. For diesel to bne sold in Australia it has to include more than 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur - previous types of diesel fuels contained double this amount.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Benefits: economical fuel alternative
Best use: converted engines
Providing both economic and environmental benefits, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the most widely used alternative fuel source for vehicles in Australia. Cost savings can be achieved through the use of LPG, depending on the LPG/Petrol price ratio at the pump. This alternative fuel source can also reduce exhaust emissions by roughly 15% compared to ULP powered cars.
After reading this post you'll feel more equipped to make educated decisions regarding different types of petrol across Australia. You can also get in touch with Bulk Fuel Australia to see how our range of on site refuelling and bulk fuel products and services can assist in many areas of your business.