What is Petrol?
Petrol, known as Gasoline in North America, is a transparent, petroleum-derived liquid fuel used primarily in internal combustion engines, most notably in cars, motorcycles, and light trucks.
It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons (compounds of hydrogen and carbon) and additives, typically containing 5 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule. This composition makes petrol a relatively volatile fuel, meaning it evaporates easily and ignites readily.
Modern petrol contains a range of additives to improve performance and meet environmental standards, including octane boosters, detergents, antioxidants, and corrosion inhibitors.
Production Process
Petrol is primarily derived from crude oil through fractional distillation in oil refineries. The process involves:
- Heating crude oil to separate components by boiling point
- Collecting the naphtha fraction (C5-C12 hydrocarbons)
- Further processing through catalytic reforming and other treatments
- Blending with additives to create the final product
How Petrol Engines Work
1. Intake
The intake valve opens, and the piston moves down, drawing a mixture of air and vaporized petrol into the cylinder.
2. Compression
The piston moves up, compressing the air-fuel mixture to increase the potential energy released during combustion.
3. Combustion
At the peak of compression, the spark plug ignites the compressed mixture, creating a controlled explosion that forces the piston down.
4. Exhaust
The piston moves back up, pushing the exhaust gases out through the open exhaust valve, completing the cycle.
Key Difference
Petrol engines use spark ignition, while diesel engines rely on compression ignition. This fundamental difference dictates fuel properties and engine design.
Efficiency Factors
Engine efficiency depends on compression ratio, air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and the fuel's octane rating.
Octane Ratings Explained
The octane rating is the most important property of petrol for consumers. It measures the fuel’s resistance to engine knocking or “pinging.”
What is Engine Knocking?
An undesirable condition where the fuel-air mixture ignites prematurely due to compression heat alone, rather than from the spark plug. This creates multiple flame fronts that collide, causing a "knocking" sound. Severe knocking can damage an engine.
Regular (87-91 Octane)
Best for: Standard engines with lower compression ratios
Benefits: Cost-effective for daily driving
Recommended for: Most everyday vehicles
Best for: High-performance engines
Benefits: Prevents knocking in
Premium (91-94 Octane)
Best for: High-performance engines
Benefits: Prevents knocking in turbocharged engines
Recommended for: Sports cars, luxury vehicles
Super Premium (95+ Octane)
Best for: High-compression and racing engines
Benefits: Maximum performance and knock resistance
Recommended for: Exotic cars, track vehicles
Rule of Thumb
Always use the octane rating recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Using a lower grade than required can cause knocking and damage. Using a higher grade than required typically offers no performance or efficiency benefits in engines designed for regular fuel.Fuel Types & Price's
Fuel Type
Petrol (Super)
High Speed Diesel
Old price
PKR 253.17 /L
PKR 268.38/L
new price
PKR 258.17 /L
PKR 275.70 /L
difference
PKR 0.00/L
PKR 7.32/L
Global Standards Comparison
- North America: Uses AKI (Anti-Knock Index) which is the average of RON and MON
- Europe: Uses RON (Research Octane Number) exclusively
- Asia: Primarily uses RON with some regional variations
This is why you’ll see different numbers for what is essentially the same fuel grade in different regions
Ethanol Blends
Many regions now mandate ethanol-blended petrol to reduce emissions:
- E10: Contains up to 10% ethanol
- E15: Contains up to 15% ethanol
- E85: Contains up to 85% ethanol (for flex-fuel vehicles)
Check your vehicle’s compatibility before using higher ethanol blends.
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What is Engine Knocking?
An undesirable condition where the fuel-air mixture ignites prematurely due to compression heat alone, rather than from the spark plug. This creates multiple flame fronts that collide, causing a "knocking" sound. Severe knocking can damage an engine.
Storage Guidelines
- Store in approved containers only
- Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight
- Store in well-ventilated areas
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Handling Precautions
- No smoking near petrol
- Turn off engine while refueling
- Avoid overfilling tanks
- Clean up spills immediately
Emergency Procedures
- For fires: Use Class B fire extinguishers
- For spills: Contain and absorb with appropriate materials
- For ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention
- For skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
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