Low aromatic Shell Unleaded

What is Shell Unleaded low aromatic petrol/fuel?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic is specially designed unleaded petrol which has an octane rating of 91 (the same as regular unleaded fuel) and which complies with the Australian Fuel Quality Standards Act. It has been specially designed to contain low levels of aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene. These aromatic compounds are associated with the narcotic effects from sniffing petrol.

Can I use Shell Unleaded low aromatic in my car/bike/boat/small engine?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic fuel can be used in place of regular unleaded fuel in passenger vehicles, boats, vans and petrol motor 4WDs. Importantly, because it has a 91 octane rating, the same as regular unleaded petrol, these fuels can be mixed in your petrol tank and will not affect your vehicle’s performance, except where noted below.

Engine operation when using Shell Unleaded low aromatic is the same as for regular unleaded petrol, except that in some cold climates some engines may run slightly rough to start with due to the low vapour pressure of the fuel, however, running will improve as the engine warms up.

Mechanically the engine will not be affected and will not be damaged when using Shell Unleaded low aromatic. As the density of Shell Unleaded low aromatic is slightly lower than standard unleaded petrol some engines may benefit from a carburettor adjustment as part of the normal vehicle servicing.

If your vehicle requires premium unleaded petrol you are advised to check with your vehicle’s manufacturer before using Shell Unleaded low aromatic.  Premium Unleaded remains available at the Coles Express and Shell branded service stations that carry Shell Unleaded low aromatic. 

For pre 1986 engines the same restrictions that apply to standard unleaded petrol apply to Shell Unleaded low aromatic petrol. If vehicles currently using unleaded petrol require the addition of a valve seat recession additive such as Valvemaster, then the same additive will need to be used with Shell Unleaded low aromatic.

Can I use Shell Unleaded low aromatic in aircraft?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic fuel is not suitable for use in any aircraft.  Shell recommends that customers use the appropriate aviation fuel for their aircraft.

How much will Shell Unleaded low aromatic cost?

Shell will sell Shell Unleaded low aromatic petrol to Coles Express and Shell branded retailers at the same price as regular Shell Unleaded.  The retailer (for example, Coles Express) determines the pump price.

Will Shell Unleaded low aromatic void the warranty on my car/bike/ etc.?

Low aromatic unleaded fuel can be used in place of regular unleaded fuel in passenger vehicles, boats, vans and petrol motor 4WDs.  Shell recommends if customers are concerned about warranty issues they should seek advice from their vehicle manufacturer.

Where can I buy Shell Unleaded low aromatic?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic will be available initially at the three Coles Express sites in Alice Springs as follows:

• Coles Express Mt Gillen
• Coles Express Oasis (Gap Road)
• Coles Express Truck Stop, Dalgetty Road

How can I tell if I have purchased Shell Unleaded low aromatic fuel?

All pumps will be clearly labelled with Shell Unleaded low aromatic.  However, it still will appear as Shell Unleaded on your sales docket. 

Does Shell Unleaded low aromatic contain Fuel Economy Formula?

No.  As BP is the sole manufacturer of retail grade low aromatic fuels in Australia we recommend customers refer to the Product Information Sheet at the BP website for information on the product composition.

Will I get the same fuel economy from Shell Unleaded low aromatic as regular Shell Unleaded?

As BP is the sole manufacturer of retail grade low aromatic fuels in Australia Shell is unable to make any fuel economy claims or comparisons about the fuel.  Regardless of which fuel motorists use, Shell recommends customers follow the driving hints and tips found at www.shell.com.au/fuelstretch to improve their fuel economy.

What if my car uses premium fuel – can I use Shell Unleaded low aromatic?

Customers are advised to check with their vehicle’s manufacturer before using Shell Unleaded low aromatic in a vehicle that requires premium fuel. Premium Unleaded fuel will continue to be available at the Coles Express and Shell branded service stations in and around Alice Springs that carry Shell Unleaded low aromatic.   

What if I have a pre-1986 vehicle – can I use Shell Unleaded low aromatic?

No.  Pre-1986 vehicles require a high-octane fuel such as Shell Premium Unleaded or Shell V-Power and an anti-valve seat recession protection additive like Valvemaster (available at Coles Express service stations and auto shops).  For more information on what fuel to use in pre-1986 vehicles, we recommend customers visit the Australian Institute of Petroleum - opens in a new window website.

Is Shell Unleaded low aromatic the same as BP Opal?

Yes. BP is the sole manufacturer of retail grade low aromatic fuel in Australia.

Why doesn’t Shell make a similar low aromatic fuel?

As sales of Shell Unleaded low aromatic are likely to be very small in volume compared to say regular unleaded fuel, at this stage Shell has elected to source the fuel from BP.

Does Shell guarantee this low aromatic fuel?

Shell stands by the quality of all its products. 

What standards does Shell Unleaded low aromatic meet?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic is a specially designed standard unleaded fuel which has an octane rating of 91 (the same as regular unleaded fuel) and which complies with the Australian Fuel Quality Standards Act. It typically contains very low levels sulphur and has extremely low levels of aromatics.

Does Shell Unleaded low aromatic contain additives?

Yes. Shell Unleaded low aromatic does contain a detergent additive. As BP is the sole manufacturer of retail grade low aromatic fuels in Australia we recommend customers refer to the Product Information Sheet at the BP website for information on the product composition.

Does Shell Unleaded low aromatic contain ethanol?

No. Shell Unleaded low aromatic does not contain ethanol or any other oxygenates as added components. As BP is the sole manufacturer of retail grade low aromatic fuels in Australia we recommend customers refer to the Product Information Sheet at the BP website for information on the product composition.

What are aromatics and why are they used in petrol?

Aromatics are naturally occurring compounds in crude oil that have a sweet smell.   Low aromatic Shell Unleaded contains significantly reduced levels of aromatics.  

What is the octane rating of Shell Unleaded low aromatic?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic is a specially designed standard unleaded fuel which has an octane rating of 91 (the same as regular unleaded fuel) and which complies with the Australian Fuel Quality Standards Act. It typically contains very low levels of sulphur and has extremely low levels of aromatics.

Can I swap/mix between regular and Shell Unleaded low aromatic?

Shell Unleaded low aromatic can be used in place of regular unleaded fuel in passenger vehicles, boats, vans and petrol motor 4WDs. Importantly, because it has a 91 octane rating, the same as regular unleaded petrol, these fuels can be mixed in your petrol tank.

Why is Shell/Coles Express selling low aromatic fuels?

Shell in Australia and Coles Express are committed to supporting the Federal Government initiatives to reduce petrol sniffing in the Central Desert Region. 

Why doesn’t Shell brand the fuel Opal rather than Shell Unleaded low aromatic?

Shell has chosen to use our own brand in the event customers are not familiar with the Opal brand. Shell stands by the quality of all its products. 

How effective has the introduction of low aromatic fuel been in reducing petrol sniffing?

We recommend customers visit the Department of Health and Aging website at

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-oatsih-programs-petrol

I have heard lots of negative stories about low aromatic fuel and the impact is has on cars/bikes/etc.  Are these true?

Engine operation when using Shell Unleaded low aromatic is the same as for regular unleaded petrol, except that in some cold climates some engines may run slightly rough to start with due to the low vapour pressure of the fuel, however, running will improve as the engine warms up.

Mechanically the engine will not be affected and will not be damaged when using Shell Unleaded low aromatic. As the density of Shell Unleaded low aromatic is slightly lower than standard unleaded petrol some engines may benefit from a carburettor adjustment as part of the normal vehicle servicing.

Shell also recommends customers visit the BP website for additional product information.

Shell follows a thorough and exhaustive Quality Assurance process prior to the supply of any fuels, to ensure that the fuel is suitable for use and fit for purpose.

What do I do if I think Shell Unleaded low aromatic has damaged my car/bike/etc.?

If customers have any concerns over fuel quality we recommend they contact our customer service centre on 13 16 18 (Option 2, Option 8).

Will Shell Unleaded low aromatic always be available at Coles Express and Shell branded sites in the Central Desert Region?

Shell is supportive of the initiative by the Department of Health and Aging and will continue to work with them regarding the supply of Shell Unleaded low aromatic.

Will Shell be expanding supply of low aromatic fuel to other areas/regions/service stations?

Shell (and the respective retail service station operator) will continue to work with the Department of Health and Aging on how and where to expand the supply of low aromatic fuels.

What else is being done to prevent petrol sniffing?

We recommend customers visit the Department of Health and Aging website to find out more about their programmes.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-oatsih-programs-petrol

What is petrol sniffing?

Petrol sniffing is a form of substance misuse. Petrol sniffers deliberately inhale petrol fumes for the intoxicating effect. Sniffing unleaded petrol is a problem in some regions of Australia including the Central Desert Region. This is a particularly dangerous activity that can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Can I buy bulk Shell Unleaded low aromatic fuel for my community?

Shell will endeavour to meet the needs of communities, however, product supply availability and logistical constraints may mean that Shell Unleaded low aromatic cannot be supplied direct to communities at the time requested.

What area does the Central Desert Region cover?

Shell recommends customers visit the Department of Health and Aging website to find out more.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-oatsih-programs-petrol

Australian Governement Website -  www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-oatsih-programs-petrol