An in-depth look at Diesel brands

[Rocky_cpt]

Howdy all.

I have been seeing a lot of new members asking members about "diesel brands" they find to be the best fuel for their vehicle.

I thought I'd start a post so we can provide a comprehensive overview of the Major brands we find here in South Africa.

I did a lot of reading, and actually found out that Vivo Energy ( https://www.vivoenergy.com/en ) actually provides the products to Engen and Shell. I believe Chevron still provides products to Caltex and/or Astron Energy( https://chevron.com/operations/products-services/caltex-fuels-lubricants ). So that leaves BP and Sasol as separate entities.

I am opening this thread up for anyone to comment their experiences and knowledge too!

 

[Technician]

Maybe off the topic here:
But I get on average 20-30km more on a tank when I use SASOL 10 PPM, compared to all other Diesel brands.
Using fuelly.com as the yardstick.

I daily a 2012 1.4 TDCI Figo. It has a relatively small tank and those gains are a big advantage in my eyes.

 

[Dbn540i]

Hey guys

Being directly involved in supply chain myself i can give you some input.

I have my own business where we maintain the road tankers that deliver fuel to the service stations here at the coast. Without getting into the technicalities as i don't have a chemical engineering degree, i can assure you that the quality of fuel has taken a huge dip just by my visual inspection over the years.

Previously 95 was green, 97 was red and diesel is a dark orange/yellow in colour.

Currently we have seen diesel in all colours, the most astounding being the same colour as parrafin, with not even a hint of difference to the naked eye. So yes some pretty watered down fuel out there. If you think that is limited to just the small service stations who purchase fuel from 3rd party distributers and not the oil refineries, YOU ARE MISTAKEN.

It all boils down to profit at the end of the day and even though the big retail sites have fail safe measures in place, as you know, in SA there are many ways to skin a cat and yes, it is being done.

This has brought me to my 'select' filling stations just by my own observations on the work front and i have seen alot!

I will only fill Engen or BP/Shell (out the same refinery) on any of my cars, my preference being Engen.
Diesel will be the same. This is also due to consumption figures.

There is only one service station in my area where i fill so if there are any issues, they will have to answer.

Regards