Can I switch from Sinopec to CNOOC for refueling?
3 Answers
Yes, as long as you use gasoline with the octane rating specified by the manufacturer. Here are the relevant introductions: 1. Sinopec: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, abbreviated as "Sinopec" or "China Petrochemical", is a super-large petroleum and petrochemical enterprise group reorganized and established by the state in July 1998 on the basis of the former China Petrochemical Corporation. It is a deputy ministerial-level central enterprise directly under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. 2. CNOOC: China National Offshore Oil Corporation, abbreviated as "CNOOC" or "China Offshore Oil", is a super-large state-owned enterprise directly under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of China.
I've been a loyal customer of Sinopec for ten years, always filling up my car with their fuel, and it's been quite reliable. But recently, with the rising fuel prices, I tried filling up at CNOOC twice. To be honest, I didn't notice any difference in the engine—it started smoothly, and the fuel consumption was pretty much the same. I even paid extra attention to the warning lights on the dashboard, and none lit up. Many experienced drivers say that fuels from different brands have similar compositions and standards because China has strict regulations on gasoline quality. As long as it's 92 or 95 octane, you can mix them without issues. However, if your car is particularly high-end or you frequently drive on highways, it's best to occasionally monitor the engine's performance and avoid frequent switching to prevent minor issues. Personally, I think it's perfectly fine—it saves money and offers flexibility in choosing gas stations, especially since CNOOC often has promotions. There's no harm in giving it a try.
As a driver with fifteen years of experience, I've refueled at almost all major gas stations, including CNOOC and Sinopec. I usually prefer Sinopec, but when fuel prices are high, I also go to CNOOC and have found that the engine response is consistent, acceleration is smooth, and there have been no issues. Gasoline is essentially refined from petroleum, and while additives may differ, their functions are similar, ensuring strong compatibility. I suggest you occasionally mix and match fuel brands to save some costs; in the long run, your car will adapt, so don’t worry too much about switching brands. Based on my experience, gas station service and discounts are also factors to consider—some CNOOC stations offer better prices and value, so just choose the one with the best cost-performance ratio.