ISLAMABAD - The government may allow the oil marketing companies (OMCs) to import gasoline fuel Research Octane Number 92(RON92) to boost the efficiency of the vehicles and protect the environment, it was learnt reliably here Thursday.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has moved a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for approval to allow the import of RON 92 on trial basis, official sources told The Nation.
Initially the government will allow the import of RON 92 fuel on trial basis and will introduce it in some selected locations of few major cities, the source informed. As soon the experiment will successful it will be launched in the rest of the country, the source added.
The gasoline currently available in Pakistan has a RON value of 86/87. The refineries, worldwide, have reduced the production of Octane/RON 87 which is weaker fuel as compare to RON 92, so Pakistan also requires switching over to comparatively potent, efficient and environment friendly fuel, the source maintained. Majority of countries have already started using RON 95 and RON 97 but in Pakistan 87 is still the only gasoline fuel leaving little choice for the consumers.
RON stands for Research Octane Number. Octane number or octane rating refers to the gasoline ability to withstand auto ignition (knocking) inside the engine. Higher octane number refers to higher ability of the oil to fight auto ignition. RON 92 can sustain a higher compression ratio, burns completely and properly and thus leads to less noise pollution, less smoke, remit less particles in exhaust which will ultimately improve the air quality. Besides environmental impact RON 92 will also help protect the engine from wear and tear.
OGRA is currently determining the price of Octane 87 or motor gasoline but it has been advised that to encourage the use of RON 92 the government should leave the market of the fuel deregulated and let the market forces decide its fate, the source maintained. Initially the oil marketing companies (OMCs) should be allowed to import RON 92 and determine their margin, the source said.
Different vehicles are designed to use different octane number of oil. Higher octane number oil is basically designed for high performance vehicles. RON 92 will be a bit expensive as compared to the price of the current available gasoline in the market but its efficiency makes it more attractive for the vehicle owners, the source maintained. The right usage of octane number based on design and adjustment of engine will maximize the performance and effectiveness of the vehicle.