A blogger from Almaty, Sanat Aueltay, tested gasoline at four popular gas station chains — Helios, Sinooil, Qazaq Oil, and Royal Petrol. He purchased AI-92, AI-95, and AI-98 fuel and measured the octane number using a portable octane meter. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The blogger published the results in a video on his social media. The readings varied: in some samples, the octane number matched the declared value, while in others it was higher or lower.
Results at Royal Petrol Stations
The first was a Royal Petrol station. Here, AI-92 showed an octane number of 93, AI-95 — 97, and AI-98 — 104.
According to open sources, a reading of 104 for AI-98 may indicate that the fuel's actual detonation resistance is higher than declared. However, the portable octane meter's results can also be affected by measurement method specifics, additives, and temperature.
It is important to note that the octane number does not reflect overall fuel quality — it only characterizes detonation resistance. Therefore, for example, AI-95 with a reading of 97 or AI-92 with a reading of 93 does not necessarily mean high-quality fuel: it may contain impurities or low-quality additives.
Testing at Helios Stations
At Helios stations, the blogger tested AI-92, AI-95, and AI-95 Prime. The results were 90, 95, and 96, respectively.
Under the video, representatives of the chain asked the author to leave contact information for communication.
"We will definitely look into it," wrote Helios representatives.
Results at Sinooil and Qazaq Oil
At Sinooil stations, AI-92 showed 91, AI-95 — 96, and AI-98 — 105.
Finally, at Qazaq Oil, the octane number for AI-92 was 91, and for AI-95 (Tulpar-95) — 97.
The blogger promised to continue testing at other gas stations in Almaty.
Earlier, Kursiv Avto reported how a Tyumen journalist compared gasoline in Kazakhstan and Russia.