Starting January 1, 2007, consumers have a choice of two grades of unleaded gasoline at all fuel stations across Saudi Arabia.
They can continue to choose the 95 octane gasoline or select the new, less expensive 91 octane gasoline.
Studies have shown that a majority of the cars in Saudi Arabia can utilise Premium 91, the new 91 octane gasoline priced at SR 0.60. Other cars need Premium 95, a 95-octane grade priced at SR 0.75.
Saudi Aramco recently sent brochures to gas station owners in the Kingdom to inform them of a new grade of gasoline that will be made available by the Company to consumers.
The brochures included the requirements and supplies needed to provide the new gasoline.
The Company called upon stations that wish to sell the two grades of gasoline to ensure that three requirements are met one month before the second grade of gasoline is available. These requirements are:
Two completely separate systems, including ground tanks, pipe systems and fuel dispenser pumps.
The two grades of gasoline shall be clearly identified by making the gasoline dispenser pumps the following colors: 95-octane pumps must be red, and 91-octane pumps must green.
Each grade of gasoline must be identified by a name printed on the pumps as follows: 91-octane is to be called “Premium 95,” and 91-octane is to be called “Premium 91.”
Saudi Aramco included in the brochure a colour guide that shows the exact colours gas stations should use in conjunction with each grade of gasoline: Pantone Red 185C for Premium 95, and Pantone Green 34C for Premium 91.
In its brochure, Saudi Aramco said a committee formed from a number of government agencies would tour gas stations to ensure the stations meet the requirements.
The brochure indicated that launching the new grade of gasoline followed studies that showed that a large majority of vehicles in the Kingdom did not need 95-octane gasoline.
Vehicle owners can check their vehicle manual or contact their car dealer to find out which grade of gasoline is suitable for their car.
Saudi Aramco has been working in earnest to assure the infrastructure necessary to produce and distribute this new gasoline is ready for the launch.
In co-ordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and several government agencies, Saudi Aramco conducted extensive research before producing and marketing Premium 91. The company has also prepared its production, storage and distribution facilities to accommodate the new grade of gasoline.
To protect consumers, Saudi Aramco will add a distinguishing colour to each type of gasoline. Premium 91 will be green in color and be dispensed from green gasoline pumps. Premium 95 will be red in color and dispensed from red pumps.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Al Naimi has announced that studies show that a majority of vehicles in the Kingdom are designed to use Premium 91 gasoline.
He emphasised that for these vehicles to continue to use 95-octane gasoline will be an unjustified waste of the vehicle owner’s money.
Saudi Aramco has launched a website (www.9195.info) to help people in Saudi Arabia determine which gasoline is right for their vehicle and to reply to inquiries related to the two types of gasoline.
