Petrol is highly flammable. Home checks based on paper stains, smell, colour or a glass of water cannot reliably prove that fuel is genuine or free from contamination. Do not pour petrol into household containers or deliberately expose it to air to test it.
1. White paper or tissue test: not a reliable proof
A stain after evaporation may indicate another substance, but the absence of a stain does not prove that petrol is genuine. This method cannot identify specific adulterants and should not be used as a pass/fail test.
2. Smell and colour: clues, not confirmation
Petrol has a characteristic odour, but smell varies with formulation and exposure. Colour can also vary by product and conditions. Never inhale vapour closely or taste fuel. Odour and appearance alone cannot confirm quality.
3. Water separation: limited information
Petrol and water generally form separate layers, but observing two layers does not prove the petrol is uncontaminated. Do not add water to a fuel sample as a home test.
4. Density: requires the right method and specification
Density depends on temperature and the applicable fuel specification. A reading by itself cannot establish that petrol is genuine. Proper verification requires calibrated equipment, controlled sampling and comparison against the relevant standard by trained personnel.
What should you do instead?
- Buy from an authorized, traceable supplier and keep the receipt or delivery documents.
- Record the product, delivery date, quantity and batch or source details where available.
- If fuel quality is in doubt, isolate the affected batch safely and ask the supplier about formal sampling and laboratory testing.
- For commercial supply, agree in advance on product specifications, documentation and the procedure for handling quality disputes.
For business fuel buyers
Factories, generators and fleets should use documented receiving procedures instead of informal home tests. ABS Energy Limited can discuss your supply requirements and the documentation needed for your operation.