Shell Malaysia has just announced that the different shades of colours of their petrol has no effect on fuel quality, which should end all speculations and rumours about different fuel quality, as a video recently went viral regarding the difference in the ‘red colour’ of RON97 in the Central versus the Southern region.
According to Shell, the natural colour of petrol and diesel is a very light yellow. The spokesperson said, “As mandated by authorities, fuel dyes are added for visual identification of different grades and types of fuel. RON 97 is mandated as red in Malaysia and RON 95 is yellow (or undyed). The fuel dyes do not have any impact on fuel quality and engine performance.”
Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) Deputy President Datuk Zulkifli Mokti said that if anyone suspects a difference in fuel quality, they should submit a sample to Sirim for a check. He said, “Take a sample of it and send it for chemical check and make a report to Sirim, then they will look at it. When it comes to colours, talking about performance, it is very difficult to say. If there is a slight difference, you will not know or feel it unless you use a gauge. It is very hard to say it is good or no good, whether it is mixed or tapered or not. You got to send it to a lab to check it out if there is any problem.”
The amount of dye, ranging from 5 ppm to 18 ppm, can affect the colour of petrol, but does not affect the quality. Also, because of the way dye is injected (automated or bulk mixing), this also can affect the shade of colour.
