RIYADH — As Saudi Arabia prepares to introduce Gasoline 98 to the local fuel market, Saudi Fuel has clarified what the high-octane product is, how it differs from existing gasoline grades, and which vehicles are designed to use it. Gasoline 98 is a type of automotive fuel characterized by a high octane rating of 98. While it contains the same core chemical components found in other gasoline products, the difference lies in the proportions of those components, resulting in higher resistance to combustion under pressure. The fuel is designed specifically for engines that operate under high internal compression, whether due to engine design or the use of advanced pressure-boosting systems. What does "octane" mean? Octane is a standard measure that indicates a fuel's ability to resist premature ignition inside an engine's combustion chamber. A higher octane rating helps ensure smoother engine performance by reducing knocking, vibrations, and combustion irregularities that can occur under high pressure. In simple terms, the greater the pressure inside the combustion chamber, the higher the octane rating required for stable operation. Why does the number 98 matter? The number 98 represents the fuel's Research Octane Number (RON), which reflects how well gasoline resists self-ignition when subjected to increased pressure during combustion. Saudi Arabia, along with most countries worldwide, uses the RON system to classify gasoline. Some other countries rely on alternative measurement methods, which can result in octane numbers that appear four to five points lower than the RON scale. Is Gasoline 98 suitable for all vehicles? Saudi Fuel emphasized that Gasoline 98 is not intended for all engines. It is recommended only for vehicles designed to operate at high compression levels, either because of their mechanical design or the use of turbocharging or similar systems. Using a higher octane fuel than required does not automatically improve performance in standard engines. Motorists are advised to consult their vehicle owner's manual or contact the authorized dealer to determine the most suitable fuel type. No "best" fuel, only the right one Saudi Fuel stressed that there is no universally "better" gasoline product. Each fuel grade is engineered to match specific engine requirements, balancing performance, efficiency, and operating costs. For drivers unsure about which fuel to use, the guidance remains clear: follow the manufacturer's recommendations rather than choosing a fuel based solely on octane number.
