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Understanding Gasoline Grades RON 87 to RON 97 and Their Impact on Fuel Efficiency

  • Writer: Jose Pagan
    Jose Pagan
  • Nov 24, 2025
  • 3 min read

Gasoline comes in different grades, commonly identified by their Research Octane Number (RON). These grades range from RON 87 to RON 97 and play a crucial role in engine performance and fuel efficiency. Choosing the right gasoline grade can affect your vehicle’s power, fuel consumption, and engine health. This post explores the differences between gasoline grades, their pricing, and how they impact fuel efficiency.


What Is Octane Rating and Why It Matters


The octane rating measures gasoline’s ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Knocking happens when fuel burns unevenly in the engine cylinder, which can damage the engine over time. Higher octane fuels resist knocking better, making them suitable for high-performance engines.


  • RON 87 to RON 97 represent increasing resistance to knocking.

  • Engines designed for higher octane fuel can run more efficiently and produce more power.

  • Using a lower octane fuel than recommended can cause knocking and reduce engine life.


Overview of Gasoline Grades and Pricing


Gasoline grades from RON 87 to RON 97 differ not only in octane rating but also in price and availability. Here’s a breakdown based on typical supply and pricing data:


| Gasoline Grade | Minimum Quantity (Liters) | Maximum Quantity (Liters) | Price per Liter (USD) | Price per Liter (Negotiated) | Bank Charges (USD) |

|----------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|

| RON 87 | 50,000 | 500,000 | $310 | $300 | $5 / $5 |

| RON 89 | 50,000 | 500,000 | $300 | $290 | $5 / $5 |

| RON 91 | 50,000 | 500,000 | $330 | $320 | $5 / $5 |

| RON 93 | 50,000 | 500,000 | $360 | $350 | $5 / $5 |

| RON 95 | 50,000 | 500,000 | $340 | $330 | $5 / $5 |

| RON 97 | 50,000 | 500,000 | $350 | $340 | $5 / $5 |


Prices vary slightly depending on negotiation and banking procedures, but higher octane fuels generally cost more due to their enhanced refining process.


How Gasoline Grades Affect Fuel Efficiency


Fuel efficiency depends on how well the fuel burns in the engine. Higher octane fuels burn more smoothly in engines designed for them, which can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.


  • Lower octane fuels (RON 87-89) are suitable for most standard engines and are more affordable.

  • Mid-range octane fuels (RON 91-93) offer better performance and efficiency for slightly tuned engines.

  • High octane fuels (RON 95-97) are ideal for high-performance or luxury vehicles requiring precise combustion control.


Using the correct octane grade prevents engine knocking, which otherwise wastes fuel and reduces efficiency. However, using a higher octane fuel than your engine requires usually does not improve mileage significantly.


Practical Examples of Choosing the Right Gasoline Grade


Consider two vehicles: a compact sedan and a sports car.


  • The compact sedan’s manufacturer recommends RON 87. Using RON 87 gasoline ensures smooth operation and cost savings. Using RON 97 would not provide noticeable benefits and would increase fuel costs.

  • The sports car requires RON 95 or higher. Using RON 87 could cause knocking, damage the engine, and reduce fuel efficiency. Using RON 95 or RON 97 ensures optimal performance and fuel economy.


This example shows the importance of matching gasoline grade to engine requirements.


The Role of Banking Procedures in Gasoline Trade


When purchasing gasoline in large quantities, especially for commercial purposes, banking procedures ensure secure transactions. The process typically involves:


  1. Buyer issuing an Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order (ICPO) with company registration.

  2. Seller providing a Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) for review and signature.

  3. Buyer issuing a financial instrument such as SBLC MT760 or DLC MT700 to guarantee payment.

  4. Seller confirming readiness and providing proof of product availability.

  5. Buyer’s bank transferring funds to seller’s fiduciary bank to complete the transaction.


These steps protect both buyer and seller, ensuring the gasoline supply meets agreed terms.


Summary of Key Points


  • Gasoline grades from RON 87 to RON 97 differ in octane rating, price, and suitability for different engines.

  • Octane rating affects fuel combustion quality, engine knocking, and fuel efficiency.

  • Using the correct gasoline grade improves engine performance and prevents damage.

  • Higher octane fuels cost more but benefit high-performance engines.

  • Banking procedures secure large-scale gasoline transactions.


Choosing the right gasoline grade is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s health and optimizing fuel costs. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended octane rating and consider your driving needs when selecting fuel.


 
 
 

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