In addition, rising prices will almost certainly push individual sellers to try to maintain attractive price tags in order to retain existing customers and attract new ones. The easiest way to do this is by manipulating fuel quality or the amount dispensed. Whether they succeeded was determined by specialists from the capital's Institute of Consumer Expertise, who examined two key indicators for drivers: the accuracy of fuel dispensing and its chemical composition.
Underfilling or overfilling?
Specialists tested samples purchased at large chains (WOG, UPG), the largest chain in the capital and region (KLO), as well as at so-called discounters—fairly extensive networks offering lower prices (BRSM-Nafta, U.GO, BARS). To complete the picture, gas was also purchased at a non-stationary point of sale, where the price was a hryvnia lower than even at the discounters.
Among owners of cars with LPG, the most common talk is about the accuracy of refueling at stations, namely underfilling. Moreover, it is not about some grams: in conversations, 3, 5, and even 10 liters are mentioned. None of the "garage" experts assume that the problem may be in the gas equipment itself—for example, in the shut-off or multivalve, reducer, or low-quality hoses. The filling station is immediately blamed for everything. Therefore, first of all, experts checked whether such cases are even possible.
According to standards, underfilling should not exceed 1%, but achieving such an indicator in practice is not easy. Researchers selected the same number of liters of gas at each gas station, then recalculated it into volume taking into account density. The results were opposite: on the one hand, underfilling was indeed recorded, and on the other, it definitely does not reach three or more liters on a standard car tank.
But let's start with the good news—two chains (WOG and KLO) dispensed even more than was paid for: 3% and 1%, respectively. This is, in general, logical: reputation costs a lot, and perhaps that is why these chains had reference measuring containers for control pouring, which any customer can use.
Exactly according to the receipt, they refueled at UPG gas stations. But underfilling was found at BRSM-Nafta, U.GO, BARS, and at the illegal "barrel". The indicator was about 3–4%. This seems not much, but it turns out that higher prices at large chains are practically compensated by honest dispensing, meaning the real cost is almost the same. And if you calculate annual sales volumes, these small percentages of underfilling turn into significant amounts that do not pass through the fiscal system. However, that is a completely different topic.
Where do the myths about widespread underfilling come from then? LPG installation specialists explain that there may be several reasons. First, cylinders installed in cars are not precise measuring instruments themselves—their capacity, even stated in documents, is approximate. Moreover, an error of 20% is quite common. Markings may also differ: some manufacturers indicate, for example, a volume of 40 liters, but mean 80% of the full volume. And if the shut-off valve does not work (and according to LPG service masters, in half the cases it is absent or broken), the column can fill all 100%, and then the discrepancy will reach the same 20%. Therefore, "gas drivers" should first of all carefully check the condition of their equipment.
What did laboratory analyses reveal?
The second stage was the study of the component composition—that is, what automotive gas actually consists of. As is known, it is a mixture of propane and butane with the addition of other hydrocarbons (isobutane, propylene, ethane, ethylene, etc.). Also, the fuel must correspond to the season—there are winter and summer versions, as for diesel. In winter and summer, the ratio of the main components—propane and butane—should change: in summer it is 40% propane and 60% butane, in winter—vice versa.
Laboratory studies showed that all samples were summer. The most propane was found in WOG fuel (44/55), the ratio in KLO (41/55) and UPG (39/56) was almost ideal. Such proportions ensure the most complete combustion of the mixture, and hence good dynamics while maintaining efficiency. In KLO and WOG samples, a low content of propylene, which harms the fuel system, was also recorded. This is a clear indicator that the gas is indeed automotive propane-butane (PBA). Simply put, such fuel underwent additional purification at the production site.
Finally, another important parameter was checked—gas density. The higher it is, the greater the mileage. The best indicators again were in KLO and WOG—538 and 536 kg/m³, respectively. At the other end of the scale was the BRSM-Nafta sample with a density of 522 kg/m³.
Summarizing, the Institute's director Yuriy Chornobryvets noted that "the situation with gas is not as bad as it could be. There are violations, but it is difficult to call them critical. The main thing is that only factory fuel is on sale, as evidenced by relatively stable prices and a sufficient volume of supply." Regarding underfilling, experts advise drivers to refuel only where the columns have properly formalized metrological verification and appropriate seals. This will significantly reduce the risk. But it is worth saying goodbye to "garage" tales about universally low-quality gas that is also underfilled by tens of liters. If you want to save money and have installed LPG—do not skimp and maintain it properly. This way you will preserve both your car, your money, and your own safety.
Expertise results
Oleksandr Babenko
