Are branded fuels really worth it? Pradeep Thakur & Sanjay Dutta | TNN
New Delhi: The next time you pay Rs 2 extra per litre to tank up on branded petrol, you are probably being taken for a ride. The state-run oil marketing companies have failed to back up their claim to the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) that the fuel gives higher mileage and better engine performance than the unbranded variety. The oil companies have also been unable to explain how they fixed the price of branded fuel. The MRTPC had asked the companies to “clarify the quantitive difference between normal fuel and branded fuel alongwith supportive documents.’’ But the companies were unable to furnish anything to support their claim other than letters from additive suppliers. These suppliers, the Singapore branch of Chevron and Oronite, spoke of the benefits of branded fuel but failed to impress the Commission because they cannot be seen as impartial. In fact, they are viewed as vested interests. The suppliers’ certificates do not mention any tests carried out on branded petrol. They say that branded diesel “ensures a lower flow loss than worldwide norm”. The certificates are silent on extra mileage. It’s thought the failure to get the right tests done was not for want of facilities. The government-run Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is said to be the competent authority. The MRTPC had approached the ARAI to check if it has a view on branded fuel. But it said it didn’t have the results of relevant tests as it had not been asked to carry out “any branded fuel evaluation test.’’ Oil company executives told TOI fuel additives are globally certified by independent labs and accepted in the US and European markets. The suppliers are also wellknown for their domain knowledge. ‘‘Despite the global certification, the additives were introduced after tests in our labs and field trials with state transport utilites. The results clearly showed improved drivability and maintenance cycle,’’ one senior IndianOil R&D executive said. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ""GLOBAL SPECULATORS"" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/globalspeculators?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
