A fuel fiasco

Stricter fuel regulation and better consumer protection are urgently needed - especially for those whose travel plans rely on a trustworthy vehicle

- Neels van Heerden.

Earlier this year, I read a report about a scandalous fuel transaction involving PetroSA that had damaging consequences for vehicle owners.

The story first came to light in the Garden Route area towards the end of 2023, when fuel station owners began noticing a worrying pattern. Petrol – specifically “Mogas 95” supplied by PetroSA – caused residue on pumps and visible damage to vehicle paintwork.

In some cases, the damage was so severe that owners had to take their vehicles to panel beaters for repairs. There were also several reports of serious engine damage. These issues were later traced to a batch of petrol imported into South Africa under a deal between PetroSA and a relatively unknown company from the United Arab Emirates called Nako Energy.

The petrol had apparently been blended with the chemical compound N-methylaniline (NMA) to artificially boost its octane rating. Although South African standards permit a small amount of NMA in petrol (usually less than 1,2%), lab tests reportedly showed that this batch contained up to 6,6% NMA.