The Hi-Octane price has dropped again: Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has cut its high-octane fuel from Rs415 to Rs399 per litre in its latest announcement, a reduction of Rs16 per litre that will be welcomed by owners of turbo engine cars.
Why the Hi-Octane Price Fell
International oil prices have been falling for several reasons, from a cessation of conflict to the outcome of the US elections. Crude traded at about $90 a barrel on November 10, down from $116 on October 23. That has made refined products cheaper for oil companies, and pump prices have followed.
Petrol has already dropped by about Rs40 per litre since the start of last week, and more cuts are possible if crude keeps falling.
Who Sets the Hi-Octane Price?
Unlike petrol and diesel, high-octane is not controlled by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). It is a deregulated fuel category. Every oil marketing company, including PSO, Shell and Aramco, sets its own rate and is not bound to revise it on the same day or by the same amount as its rivals.
| Fuel | Previous price | New price |
|---|---|---|
| PSO high-octane | Rs415 per litre | Rs399 per litre |
Why Turbo Engines Need High-Octane Fuel
High-octane fuel resists igniting too early under high pressure. That is why manufacturers recommend it for turbo engines. These engines compress the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder much more than non-turbo engines, so they need fuel that waits for the spark plug to fire.
Regular petrol can ignite before the compression reaches its optimal ratio. This causes knocking, which can damage the engine over time. To prevent that, the engine’s computer detects knock and adjusts the spark timing. Turbo cars can therefore run on regular petrol without damage, but they produce less power than they do on high-octane fuel.
Cars That Benefit From the Lower Price
- MG HS
- Honda Civic Turbo
- Jaecoo J7
- Haval H6
- The new Stonic
- Many other turbocharged models
What Drivers Should Know
Because the rate is set by each company, prices can differ between pumps and cities, so drivers should check the rate at the station before filling up. If crude oil stays near current levels, further reductions in fuel prices are possible, but there is no official announcement of one.
Read More: Petrol Price Cut by Rs9.41 to Rs352.59, Diesel Down Rs5.56 in Fourth Straight Cut
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