Gasoline

The quantity and types of gasoline available vary depending on the country and local regulations, but in general, they can be classified into the following main categories:

1. Regular Gasoline
   • Octane Rating: Generally between 87 and 91 RON (may vary by region).
   • It is the most common and economical option.
   • Designed for vehicles with standard compression engines.
2. Premium Gasoline
   • Octane Rating: Typically 91 RON or higher (in some countries it may be 95 RON or more).
   • Recommended for vehicles with high-performance or sports engines.
   • Reduces the risk of "knocking" (engine pinging) in higher-demand engines.
3. Ethanol Gasoline (E10, E15, E85)
   • Contains a mixture of gasoline and ethanol (derived from renewable sources such as corn or sugarcane).
   • The number indicates the percentage of ethanol. For example:
     • E10: 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline.
     • E85: 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline (for flex-fuel vehicles).
   • More common in regions aiming to reduce carbon emissions.
4. Unleaded Gasoline
   • The most widely used type worldwide today.
   • Does not contain lead additives, making it less harmful to health and the environment.
5. Additized Gasoline
   • Includes detergent additives to clean and maintain the engine in better condition.
   • Promoted as an option that enhances performance and reduces deposits in the combustion system.
6. Aviation Gasoline
   • Used exclusively for aircraft with piston engines.
   • Has a very high octane rating (may exceed 100 RON).
   • Not suitable for land vehicles.

Regional Considerations:

• In Europe and some Asian countries, octane ratings tend to be higher (e.g., 95 RON and 98 RON are common).
• In countries like the United States, the octane rating is labeled using a different method (AKI, which gives lower values compared to RON).

Diesel

Just like gasoline, diesel comes in different types depending on its composition, purpose, and regional regulations.

1. Regular Diesel (Diesel A)
   • The most common type, used in light vehicles (cars, trucks) and heavy machinery.
   • Contains standard sulfur levels based on local regulations:
     • Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD): Contains less than 15 ppm (parts per million) of sulfur.
     • Conventional Diesel: Used in some regions, may have higher sulfur levels but is being phased out for environmental reasons.
2. Marine Diesel (Diesel B or MGO)
   • Designed for ships and marine engines.
   • Has higher viscosity and higher sulfur content than diesel for land vehicles.
   • Mainly used in small to medium-sized vessels.
3. Premium Automotive Diesel
   • Similar to regular diesel but includes additives to improve efficiency, engine performance, and reduce deposits.
   • Improves starting in cold weather and reduces engine wear.
4. Biodiesel (B10, B20, B100)
   • A blend of conventional diesel and fuels derived from renewable sources (vegetable oils, animal fats).
   • The number indicates the percentage of biodiesel in the blend:
     • B10: 10% biodiesel, 90% fossil diesel.
     • B100: 100% biodiesel (less common and requires compatible engines).
   • More environmentally friendly but can affect engines designed only for fossil diesel.
5. Winter Diesel
   • Formulated to prevent fuel crystallization or "gelling" in cold climates.
   • Contains additives that reduce the freezing point.
   • Specific for regions with extremely low temperatures.
6. Red Diesel (Tax-Exempt Diesel or Off-Road Diesel)
   • Marked with a red dye to distinguish it from regular diesel.
   • Used in agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and vehicles not intended for road use.
   • Has lower taxes in many countries but is prohibited for private vehicles.
7. Synthetic Diesel
   • Produced from unconventional sources such as natural gas or biomass using the Fischer-Tropsch process.
   • Offers lower pollutant emissions and cleaner performance.
8. Diesel for Generators
   • Similar to regular diesel but optimized for stationary engines (power generators, industrial equipment).
   • Often contains additives to improve storage and fuel stability.

Regional Considerations:

• In Europe, diesel with less than 10 ppm of sulfur is mandatory.
• In countries like the United States, ULSD diesel has been the standard since 2006.
• In some regions, diesel with higher sulfur levels is allowed for industrial machinery.