On September 3, 2024, Aliko Dangote unveiled his new colourless petrol, sparking curiosity among Nigerians due to its unfamiliar appearance compared to the usual petrol they know.
Addressing the press with a sample in a bottle, Dangote said, “It may look like a different colour, but this is the real thing. You will now have high-quality petrol that will make your vehicle engines last longer. The engine issues many of us have experienced won’t happen anymore. The quality here will match that of any in the world… we will ensure that no one beats us on quality.”
Petrol and Its Composition
Petrol, also known as PMS, is a critical fuel for internal combustion engines in vehicles. Its composition directly affects performance, efficiency, and environmental impact. Although the specific composition and regulatory standards may differ between regions, the fundamental aspects of petrol are similar worldwide. PMS is primarily derived from the refining of crude oil and contains several key components:
• Alkanes: These saturated hydrocarbons are the primary energy source in petrol, contributing to its combustion properties.
• Cycloalkanes: These ring-structured hydrocarbons help improve the stability and performance of the fuel.
• Aromatics: These hydrocarbons increase energy density but can contribute to higher emissions, so regulatory standards often limit their concentration to reduce environmental impact.
• Additives: Added to enhance performance and protect engines. Common additives include:
o Detergents: Clean the fuel system and prevent deposit build-up.
o Anti-knock Agents: Improve octane ratings and reduce engine knocking.
o Corrosion Inhibitors: Protect metal parts in the fuel system.
Different regions have varying petrol compositions. For example, Brazil’s standard petrol is E27, meaning it contains 27% ethanol, while North America favours high-octane PMS. Japan and South Korea use petrol with varying ethanol content, with Japan introducing E20 (20% ethanol) in some areas.
In many African countries, PMS quality and composition can vary significantly due to differences in regulatory standards and enforcement capabilities, with issues like fuel adulteration being more common. To address these concerns, Dangote has introduced ethanol-based fuel in Nigeria to improve engine efficiency and reduce power loss.
