Two major bodies overseeing the provision of diesel fuel have put in place initiatives to counter the practice of diluting diesel with an overriding message – the short-term ‘gain’ is quickly surpassed by increased maintenance and damage expenses.
“The Fuel Retailers Association (FRA), as well as the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) have various programmes and initiatives to try to deal/counter this practice,” said Gavin Kelly, executive officer of the Road Freight Association (RFA).
He was responding to the findings of an investigation by the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), which revealed that 70 fuel stations across South Africa are selling adulterated diesel to profit from the rising price of fuel.
The diesel is mixed with illuminating paraffin, according to the department.
Minerals and Energy minister Gwede Mantashe warned against the illegal practice, saying that service stations guilty of it could be prosecuted and closed when his department released the findings of the investigation.
Kelly added: “The effect on engines and components varies in intensity and damage.
“Apart from the immediate problems of engine performance – where fuels are contaminated (with whatever additive) – the damage to (engine) surfaces is quite severe.”
He explained that the fuel you get from reputable fuel companies in their purest state includes lubricants and additives to ensure better combustion and lower friction between these surfaces.
One of the major debates around the removal of lead in petrol and sulphur in diesel, was the replacement of these lubricants.
“Once you dilute fuels with water, paraffin, benzene or turpentine the, lubricant that is in the fuel as well as other additives that reduce emissions, are greatly diluted. That is where the danger lies because the moving parts in the engine are subjected to more wear as the lubricant has been affected.
“There are also corrosion issues,” Kelly said.
“One of the biggest issues we have with diesel is removing water out of the diesel and that is why you have so many filters between the tanks and the injectors, otherwise the injectors will clog up.
“A good indicator of clogged injectors or poor quality fuel is thick black smoke.
“But it is the damage to the surfaces in the engine that move past each other that require that lubricant,” Kelly explained.
When announcing the finding, Mantashe warned against the illegal practice, saying that service stations guilty of it could be prosecuted and closed when his department released the findings of the investigation.
The lubricant in question in the 70 alleged cases, illuminating paraffin, is used in wick and pressure lamps, stoves, refrigerators and heaters.
It is also used as a solvent in the manufacture of certain paints, varnish, polish, insecticides and weed killers.
