Sub-standard fuel is silently expensive: worse mileage, weak power, and damaged injectors that cost tens of thousands to fix. Here is how to spot bad fuel before it destroys your engine.
Warning signs
Sudden 10% mileage drop, engine hesitation on acceleration, smoky exhaust and a chemical smell around the pump nozzle. Any of these after visiting an unknown pump = investigate.
The paper test
Drop one drop of petrol on white filter paper. Clean petrol evaporates cleanly. Adulterated fuel leaves an oily stain.
Density check
Reputable pumps will show you their hydrometer reading. Petrol density should be 720–775 kg/m³, HSD around 820–860 kg/m³. Anything outside is suspicious.
Filing a complaint
OGRA runs an online complaint portal. Include station name, receipt, date and time. Complaints with receipts get inspected quickly.