Why is the black market fuel mostly 95 octane and is it genuine?
2 Answers
Because 95 octane gasoline is typically sold to vehicles like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Audi, etc. These cars generally have higher fuel consumption and more expensive fuel costs. Although this type of gasoline is cheaper, most of it is substandard and of poor quality. Introduction to 95 Octane Gasoline: 95 octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. High-compression engines require high-octane gasoline. Using low-octane gasoline in high-compression engines can lead to abnormal combustion, causing knocking, increased fuel consumption, and reduced driving power. Significance of 95 Octane Gasoline: The implementation of the standard will help improve the overall quality of gasoline for domestic vehicles and reduce pollutant emissions from motor vehicles. New vehicles can reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by 25% and 80%, respectively, while in-use vehicles can reduce overall emissions by 10% to 15%. This standard is of great significance for protecting the environment and improving air quality.
I used to wonder why the black-market fuel sold on the roadside was always labeled as 95-octane and whether it was genuine. Once, I took a chance on a cheaper option, and soon after, my car's engine started emitting black smoke and lost power. At the repair shop, I learned the fuel was adulterated with impurities. In reality, 95-octane is the most common gasoline type, with high market demand, making it easy for fraudsters to counterfeit labels or steal fuel from legitimate stations to sell—but it’s far from genuine. Black-market fuel may be mixed with low-quality fuels or waste oil, damaging engine injectors and spark plugs. Long-term use can ruin your car. My advice: never take the risk. Always refuel at official stations like Sinopec or PetroChina, where quality is guaranteed. If you suspect you’ve used bad fuel, get your car checked immediately—don’t save small money only to pay big repair bills later.
