KUALA LUMPUR: WHILE the name remains the same, the RON 97 fuel is no longer what it once was.
Petronas Dagangan Bhd recently introduced the new RON 97 fuel with Euro 4M specification known as Petronas Primax 97 with improved Advanced Energy Formula.
It was officially launched on Aug 19 at Petronas stations around Malaysia.
What sets the new fuel apart is the lower benzene, sulphur content and Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) levels; making it a more eco-friendly fuel as it produces less emissions and pollutants compared to the previous RON 97 fuel with Euro 2M specification.
“The sulphur content in the new RON 97 fuel has been reduced from 500 to 50 PPM (Parts Per Million) and there has been a reduction in benzene from 5% to 3.5% and slightly lower Reid Vapour Pressure levels.
“These reductions bring about a better quality fuel and lower emissions,” said Petronas Dagangan Bhd, retail business division senior general manager Shaharuddin M Sidek in an interview.
Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerim Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin (right) with Petronas Dagangan Berhad Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus (2nd left) launch the lower-sulphur Euro 4M RON 97 in Kuala Lumpur.
The new RON 97 fuel however, is not only beneficial to the environment but it does have an impact in the vehicles that use it.
“The new fuel improves drivability with the introduction of the ‘secret ingredient’ as we like to call it. It’s a new chemistry in our fuel. Not only that, it protects the engine as it prevents deposit build-up. It also promotes better combustion so it’s more efficient that way,” said Shaharuddin.
The formulation of the new fuel was developed through the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team partnership where F1 driver Lewis Hamilton serves as Petronas Primax’s Technical Performance Consultant.
“He (Hamilton) provides feedback to our technology team on how we can improve our fuel. So our fuel is developed in the lab and tested on the track.
“Of course, the new RON 97 fuel is adjusted for daily use so if people ask ‘It’s not the same fuel Hamilton uses right?’, well, that goes without saying. But the technology and formulation is similar,” he said.
Shaharuddin is quick to note however, that not all people will detect the difference with the new RON 97 fuel.
“Being in the industry, I can feel the difference with the new RON 97. But for the general consumer, you have to pay close attention to recognise the difference but some people can feel the difference immediately.
“Our technical team advises filling a full tank of the new RON 97 fuel once the fuel in your car is almost empty. And then when you fill up a full tank the second time around, you will really feel the difference,” said Shaharuddin.
The senior general manager, who hails from Bentong, Pahang, is proud of two things with the introduction of the new RON 97 fuel with Euro 4M specification: one is the fact that it is locally produced at Petronas’ refinery plants in Kertih, Terengganu, and Malacca.
The other, is that only the best fuel is offered to all Malaysians.
“What’s more important for us in Petronas, and it’s almost like a social obligation, is that we offer the best to the Malaysian consumer.
“We continue to improve on our products and all these improvements will be given back to the Malaysian public.”
