by On Tuesday, Aliko Dangote unveiled his refinery’s new colourless petrol, a stark contrast to the yellowish or reddish-pink fuel commonly seen in Nigeria. This has raised questions about the quality of petrol typically available in the country.
“You might think it looks different, but this is the real deal,” Dangote said, pointing to the clear liquid. “Now you will have quality petrol, and your car engines will last longer. No more engine problems like before.”
His remarks and the colourless appearance of the petrol have sparked conversations about whether the usual coloured petrol in Nigeria is of lower quality. But does the colour actually matter?
WHAT IS PETROL?
Petrol, also known as gasoline, is the fuel used in cars. According to the National Geographic Society, petrol is typically a clear or yellowish liquid that burns easily. It is derived from crude oil, which can be black, brown, or even yellow, red, or greenish.
WHAT IS PETROL’S TRUE COLOUR?
According to the Japanese car marketplace, Car from Japan, petrol doesn’t have a fixed colour. It is a mixture of various hydrocarbons like heptane and octane, and the colour can vary based on what is added during refining. The petrol can be clear, yellow, orange, or brown depending on the substances mixed in.
In its pure form, petrol is colourless, similar to clean water. The yellowish tint appears after additives are introduced. So, while petrol can be clear, it is not unusual for it to have a slight colour.
IS COLOURLESS PETROL BETTER?
Joe Nwakue, former chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, explained that petrol is almost like water when freshly produced. However, manufacturers can add colouring agents to distinguish between different grades. According to Nwakue, the colour itself doesn’t determine the quality.
“If nothing is done to change its properties, the colour doesn’t signify quality,” Nwakue said. The colour is mainly for identifying different types of petrol.
HunterLab, a US-based company specializing in colour measurement, says that while colour can be used to check the quality of petrol, it is not the sole indicator. Colour is often used for contamination monitoring and quality control, but the key to petrol quality lies in its chemical composition, not just its appearance.
WHAT AFFECTS PETROL’S COLOUR?
Professor Akpunonu Okey, a petroleum geosciences expert at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, noted that the type of crude oil used and its sulphur content play a role in petrol’s colour. However, these factors don’t necessarily affect its quality. The refining process and the type of crude oil used, whether light or heavy, also influence the final product’s appearance.
DOES COLOUR MATTER FOR PETROL QUALITY?
In conclusion, the colour of petrol, whether clear or tinted, doesn’t necessarily indicate its quality. The real measure of petrol quality depends on how well it meets production standards, not just its colour.
