The Consumer Expertise Institute conducted a large-scale study of diesel fuel quality at 12 networks of gas stations across Ukraine. Samples of diesel were taken for testing and analyzed in the laboratory according to the requirements of DSTU 7688:2015. Key fuel parameters were evaluated: density, flash point, and sulfur content.
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“As a result, over 20% of the tested networks sell diesel that does not meet current standards. About 40% formally do not violate requirements, but their indicators are on the edge of acceptable norms.”
Gas Station Networks That Failed the Inspection
Experts found critical deviations from standards in three networks: BRSM-NAFTA, MARSHALL, and MANGO. The sulfur content indicators were particularly dangerous: in MARSHALL, this indicator reached 85 mg/kg, in BRSM-NAFTA — 67 mg/kg, and in MANGO — 23 mg/kg, while the acceptable norm is only 10 mg/kg. Such values exceed the standards by several times, which can negatively affect engine performance and the ecological situation.
Gas Stations with Indicators on the Edge of the Norm
The networks with borderline but formally acceptable parameters include BVS, AVTOTRANS, VST, BARS, and DIESEL-DISCOUNT. Some of them demonstrated the minimum allowable flash point — 55 °C with a standard of “not lower than +55”. This indicates that the quality of fuel in these networks is on the edge of standards and requires special attention from consumers.
Networks That Passed the Inspection Without Remarks
Only four networks demonstrated absolute compliance with all state standards: WOG, UKRNAFTA, KLO, and OKKO. They provided consumers with consistently high-quality diesel fuel. Thus, only one-third of the tested market operators showed high quality standards.
The situation in the fuel market in Ukraine remains complicated, as prices for gasoline, diesel, and autogas have risen due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, global diesel fuel quotes have reached historical highs, which has been an additional factor in the rising cost of diesel at Ukrainian gas stations.