Diesel fuel quality was examined across eight filling stations, representing different marketing companies, and evaluated against GSA 141:2022 and ISO 8217:2017 standards. The parameters measured included sulphur content, density, surface tension, viscosity, and calorific value. Fuel samples from two stations exhibited slightly lower densities than specified, suggesting possible contamination with lower-density alternatives like kerosene. All samples satisfied the minimum requirements for calorific value, but three companies supplied fuels with viscosities above the standard limit, which may increase engine emissions. Surface tension was compliant across all stations except one, which also presented elevated sulphur. Crucially, fuel from only three stations complied with the 50 ppm sulphur limit, meaning 62.5 percent of sampled fuels exceeded allowable sulphur levels. These outcomes underline the necessity of reviewing fuel quality throughout the commercial distribution network.
Poor diesel fuel quality directly affects vehicle health, air quality, and regulatory compliance. Substandard fuel with high sulphur content or elevated viscosity causes higher environmental emissions and can damage engines. Demonstrating widespread non-compliance in retail filling stations shows the importance of stricter oversight across the distribution network to protect consumers and the environment.
This work provides empirical compliance data that fuel quality regulators, standards agencies, and oil marketing companies can apply immediately to fuel monitoring and auditing programmes. As an applied testing study of commercially available fuels, the insights are ready for immediate operational use to identify contamination risks and guide quality-assurance protocols along retail supply chains.
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Diesel is an essential energy source in the transportation and industrial sectors worldwide; hence, the quality of this commodity is crucial. This study compares various fuel samples to understand the quality of the fuels in terms of sulphur content, density, surface tension, viscosity, and calorific value. The properties of diesel fuel samples from eight (8) Filling Stations (Marketing Companies (MC)) were examined and compared with GSA 141:2022 and ISO 8217:2017 standards. Fuel from two companies, MC-A and MC-G had slightly lower densities than the standard, indicative of a possible contamination with lower-density fuels such as kerosene. The surface tension of all samples, except one was within the standard range. The only sample with the lower than the standard value also displayed high sulphur content. Although all the fuel samples met the minimum requirement for calorific value, the viscosities of the fuels from three companies were slightly higher than the specified standard value which can potentially result in higher emissions. In the case of sulphur content, fuel samples from only three companies were in compliance with the maximum 50 ppm standard. This means 62.5 % of the diesel fuel within the study area at the time contained more than the acceptable amount of sulphur. The findings in this research highlight the need to re-examine the quality of fuels along the distribution chain.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24733
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