Is All Petrol Really the Same? Busting the Fuel Myths
You’ve probably heard it before: “All petrol is the same, just buy the cheapest.” It’s a common view, especially with fuel prices putting pressure on wallets. But is supermarket 95RON really the same as what you get at a branded forecourt like Shell or Esso? And are premium fuels like Shell V-Power or Tesco Momentum worth the extra pennies? Let’s break it down.
95RON Fuel: Supermarkets vs Branded Stations
To start with, yes – 95RON is 95RON. Whether it's from Tesco or BP, it's regulated to meet the same basic British standards. So if your car only needs standard unleaded and you’re not too fussed about performance or long-term engine health, supermarket fuel will do the job.
But here's the catch: while the octane rating is the same, the additive packages are not.
Branded fuels often come with extra detergents and cleaners that help keep your engine in better condition over time. These additives don’t show up on the pump label, but they can help reduce engine deposits, keep injectors cleaner, and improve combustion efficiency. Supermarket fuel, while meeting legal requirements, typically contains the minimum additive content.
In short, you’re getting the same fuel grade on paper, but not necessarily the same level of engine protection or cleanliness.
What About Premium Fuels Like V-Power and Momentum?
Premium fuels – like Shell V-Power (99RON), Esso Synergy Supreme+ (99RON), and Tesco Momentum 99 – are a different story.
First off, these fuels have a higher octane rating. Many modern performance cars, and some older models, are designed to take advantage of higher-octane petrol. It allows the engine to run more efficiently and can result in better performance, smoother power delivery, and in some cases, improved fuel economy.
But that’s not all. These premium options also have more advanced additive packs than standard 95RON fuel – even compared to branded 95RON from Shell or BP. They’re engineered to keep your engine cleaner, reduce knocking, and protect against wear.
Another point that often gets overlooked: ethanol content.
By law, UK petrol can contain up to 10% ethanol (E10), which is a renewable component made from plant material. While better for emissions, ethanol can attract water and be more corrosive – which isn’t ideal for older engines, or vehicles not designed to cope with it.
Some premium fuels, like Shell V-Power and Tesco Momentum, often contain less ethanol – sometimes as low as 5% (E5) – which makes them more suitable for classic cars or motorcycles that might suffer on E10 blends.
So, Is It Worth It?
If you’re driving a basic runaround and just need to get from A to B, supermarket 95RON will be fine. But if you own a performance car, drive longer distances, or simply want to look after your engine in the long term, it’s worth considering branded or premium fuels.
And for anyone with an older vehicle, the lower ethanol content in premium 99RON options might actually save you trouble – and money – down the line.