Regan Brown
The price of fuel is a highly variable topic, with many factors influencing the cost at the pump. One of the key determinants is the grade of petrol, with 98-octane fuel typically commanding a premium over regular petrol. In this discussion, we will delve into the factors that influence the pricing of 98-octane fuel and how it compares to other fuel grades, examining the differences in composition, performance, and suitability for different engines. We will also explore the claims made by some politicians about fuel prices and verify whether their statements hold up to scrutiny.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acronym | RON (Research Octane Number) |
| Octane Rating | 98 |
| Type | Premium unleaded |
| Engine Knock Resistance | High |
| Engine Performance | Optimised |
| Engine Protection | Yes |
| Engine Type | Newer petrol engines, turbocharged engines |
| Engine Knock | Reduced |
| Engine Power | Increased |
| Fuel Economy | Improved |
| Price | Most expensive |
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What You'll Learn
98 fuel is the most expensive petrol in Australia
98 octane fuel is the most expensive petrol available in Australia. This type of fuel is typically branded as 'premium' unleaded and offers the greatest knock resistance, maximising engine power and efficiency.
The Research Octane Number (RON) is a measure of a fuel's octane rating, which describes its ability to resist premature burning, also known as engine knock. This term originates from the knocking sound an engine makes when fuel burns too early, before the spark plug fires. A higher octane rating indicates greater resistance to premature burning. In Australia, the highest octane rating available is 98 RON, followed by 95 RON premium unleaded, E10 (94 RON), and standard 91 RON unleaded.
The higher price of 98 octane fuel reflects its superior performance and engine protection qualities. It is designed for newer cars with high compression ratio engines, particularly turbocharged engines found in many European marques. While 95 octane fuel is generally suitable for most common car engines, 98 octane fuel provides increased detonation resistance, making it ideal for sports cars, high-performance vehicles, and engines with custom performance adjustments.
The decision between 95 and 98 octane fuel depends on the vehicle's engine characteristics and the desired level of performance. Using 98 octane fuel in a car suitable for 95 octane may result in noticeable increases in power. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations to ensure optimal performance, fuel economy, and longevity of the vehicle.
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It has the greatest knock resistance
98-octane fuel is generally branded as \"premium\" unleaded fuel. It is the most expensive petrol available to consumers in Australia, and it has the greatest knock resistance. This means that it maximises the power and efficiency of the engine.
The octane rating of a fuel is a standard measure of its ability to withstand compression in an internal combustion engine without causing engine knocking. Knocking refers to the explosive or uncontrolled combustion of fuel in an engine's combustion chamber, which can quickly destroy an engine. This phenomenon may be detected by a driver as a knocking or pinging noise coming from the engine. The higher the octane number, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking.
In modern computer-controlled engines, the ignition timing will be automatically altered by the engine management system to reduce the knock to an acceptable level. However, this can come at the cost of reduced power and worse fuel economy.
Newer cars with high compression ratio engines, especially turbocharged engines, are better suited to 98 octane premium unleaded. This type of fuel is also necessary for sports cars and high-performance vehicles.
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It is suitable for high-performance vehicles
The use of 98 fuel is critical for maintaining peak engine performance and protecting your investment in a high-performance vehicle. 98 fuel is considered 'premium' unleaded fuel because it has the greatest knock resistance, which maximises the power and efficiency of the engine.
High-performance vehicles require 98 fuel because it has increased detonation resistance, making it suitable for engines with high compression ratios. When an internal combustion engine compresses a mixture of air and fuel before ignition, there is a risk of premature detonation, which may harm the engine and negatively affect its performance. This premature burning is known as engine knock and it occurs when the fuel burns too early, before the spark plug fires to ignite it. Knock also relates to the engine's compression ratio. 98 fuel's higher octane number means that it can resist premature burning better than 95 fuel.
Newer cars with high compression ratio engines, especially turbocharged engines, require 98 fuel. While 95 fuel can be used in an emergency, it will reduce the performance of the vehicle. This is because 95 fuel is less resistant to compression and will affect the internal parts of the engine, such as the fuel filters and the engine's service life.
It is important to note that using a higher octane fuel than recommended may not provide any additional benefits, so it is important to match the fuel to the engine's specifications. Checking the owner's manual and the fuel door sticker for the recommended octane rating is the best way to ensure you are using the correct fuel.
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It is produced at the same stage as 95 petrol
The price of 98 fuel varies depending on location and the type of fuel being used. In Brisbane, Australia, the average price for 98 fuel was 182.9cpl in May 2025, according to the RACQ.
Now, onto the production process of 98 and 95 petrol.
Both 98 and 95 petrol are produced from petroleum. They are produced in the same way, leaving the distillation tower at the same stage and temperature (120°C). The main difference between the two fuels lies in the components added during the transformation process of crude oil into fuel.
Unleaded 95 petrol is adapted to more advanced petrol engines. It is designed to be more fuel-efficient and enable smoother engine operation. This type of petrol is suitable for most common car engines that do not require high-octane fuels. It is generally cheaper than 98 petrol.
On the other hand, unleaded 98 petrol is optimal for newer petrol engines. It has increased detonation resistance, making it suitable for engines with high compression ratios, sports cars, and high-performance vehicles. 98 petrol is also known as premium unleaded and is the most expensive petrol option available in Australia. It has the highest octane rating of any unleaded fuel, and some engines are tuned to run exclusively on 98-octane fuel.
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It is more expensive than 95 petrol
98 fuel is more expensive than 95 petrol due to its higher octane rating, which provides greater knock resistance. The octane rating of a fuel measures its ability to resist premature burning or engine knock, which can damage the engine and negatively affect its performance. In Australia, 98 octane fuel is branded as “premium” unleaded due to its higher knock resistance, resulting in increased power and efficiency.
The difference in price between 95 and 98 petrol is significant, with 98 petrol costing approximately $18 more to fill up a typical car. This higher cost is attributed to its higher quality and enhanced performance in high-compression ratio engines. However, for normal-performance engines, 95 petrol is sufficient, and using 98 petrol may not provide any additional benefits in terms of power or fuel economy.
The choice between 95 and 98 petrol depends on the type of engine in your vehicle. Newer cars with high-compression ratio engines, especially those with turbocharged engines, are designed to use 95 or 98 octane premium unleaded. These engines require fuel with higher octane ratings to prevent premature detonation, which can harm the engine.
While 98 octane fuel offers greater knock resistance and is recommended for high-performance engines, it is not necessary for all vehicles. If you own a high-performance vehicle, such as a sports car or a car with a turbocharged engine, using 98 petrol can provide optimal performance and protect your engine from damage. However, for older cars or those with standard engines, 95 petrol is generally suitable and more cost-effective.
In summary, 98 fuel is more expensive than 95 petrol due to its higher octane rating and enhanced performance in specific types of engines. The decision to use 98 fuel depends on the engine's requirements, and for high-performance engines, the additional cost may be justified to ensure optimal performance and protect the engine from potential damage caused by engine knock or premature detonation.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of 98 fuel in the US varies across states. In April 2025, the national average price of gasoline was $3.14 per gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration. The price of gasoline fell to $2.69 per gallon at Sam's Club in Mooresville, North Carolina, which was the lowest price recorded at that time.
98 fuel is typically the most expensive type of petrol available to consumers. It is considered 'premium' due to its high octane rating, which provides greater knock resistance and maximises engine power and efficiency.
98 fuel has a higher octane rating than other fuel types, which means it has greater resistance to premature burning or 'engine knock'. This makes it suitable for high-performance vehicles with high compression ratio engines. Additionally, 98 fuel often contains additives that provide benefits to the vehicle's engine and fuel system, such as detergents, dispersants, and corrosion inhibitors.
