From daniel_at_looker.com Tue Mar 23 09:21:28 1999
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 10:21:57 -0700
From: Daniel Grambihler <daniel_at_looker.com>
To: dale_at_unofficialbmw.com
Subject: [Fwd: Re: Premium unleaded]

• Original Message -------- From: Ritholtz_at_aol.com
  Subject: Re: Premium unleaded
  

Tom Reynolds <kjtar_at_primenet.com> wrote:

<<I usually run Chevron with Techron, is there really any difference in
gasoline, I mean, say super unleaded of one brand to super unleaded of another brand? And, is the gas (petrol?) in Europe of a better quality than gasoline (fuel, petrol, whatever) in the U.S.?>>

A few quick notes regarding gasoline distribution in the US:

All the major brands swap Gasoline on a regular basis to meet supply. That's right -- just because the pump says Mobil or Exxon or Chevron, you
may be getting the same base processed fuel.

Each firm then puts whatever additives they like to achieve their <<unique>>
brand formulation. This may include detergents, octane boosters, etc.

The one exeption to this that I am aware of is AMOCO. Although they will swap the regular blends of fuel, their HIGH TEST is a proprietary formula that is never, ever shared. This is according to the President of the
Natural Gas division (who has also held numerous other posts at Amoco). They believe that their formula is unique, and vastly superior to any other
brand of high test.

He also offered that to get a fair read on whatever fuel you are using, typically,
it takes several consecutive tankfuls of the same stuff for an honest appraisal.

Additionally, recognize that -- depending upon where you live -- you may be
running oxygenated gas or grain based ethanol additives certain times of the
year.
This is done for regional compliance with EPA rules to reduce smog.

BTW, Techron is great stuff -- its the proprietary additive to all of Chevron?s high test -- but as a separate addititive, it is highly concentrated,
and should not be used more than once every 3,000 miles.

And now, back to our previously scheduled OPEC meeting . . .

Ciao!

Barry L. Ritholtz
W3 Venture Capital
(212) 220-5123
Ritholtz_at_aol.com