Shell claims new "FuelSave" gasoline formulation increases fuel economy

[MetroMPG]

Google Alerts today picked up on some Malaysian news stories relating to a new blend of fuel being marketed there by Shell:

Shell Malaysia has unveiled its most advanced fuel economy formula ever, ‘Shell FuelSave Unleaded’, formulated to help motorists save up to 1 litre with every full tank.

Of course, that's a mostly useless piece of information without also providing the size of the fuel tank! Stupid journalists reprinting corporate press releases!

Assume a 40 liter tank (10.6 US gallons - seems reasonable for what I assume is a predominantly small car market in Malaysia) and a 1 litre savings equals a 2.5% potential improvement.

EDIT: a bit more digging reveals Shell is using a 50 L fill as the baseline, so it's now "up to" a 2% improvement, "Based on a minimum fill of 50 litres. Comparison between standard fuel with and without fuel economy formula. Actual savings may vary according to vehicle, driving conditions and driving style."

The innovation behind the new formula is an "efficiency improver" that reduces energy loss by lubricating parts where engine oils - which act as lubricants - are less effective.

Sounds fishy to me, and makes me wonder what kinds of consumer protection laws exist in Malaysia regarding advertising.

• Source: Shell Launches Breakthrough Fuel - Save Up To 1 Liter For Every Full Tank With New FuelSave Petrol | Zerotohundred.com

• And: More fuel savings for motorists from today

Update: a further search of Shell's web site shows the fuel is also being marketed in Singapore (city state at the tip of Malasia's Malay Peninsula), the Netherlands and Turkey.

Here's the Singapore "FuelSave" web portal:
Shell in Singapore - Shell FuelSave

[FastPlastic]

It wouldn't surprise me if they could improve the formula to give you 2%. Just look at the big change you get switching from winter to summer blend. The big question is does it really give you 2%, or are the tests off by that much?

[Christ]

I'd guess that we'll find out soon after they start making that claim in the US, if they ever do. EPA will be all over it.

[theycallmeebryan]

Even if it came to the states and provided 2% better fuel economy over what it currently offers, given shell's current prices, it would probably cost 5-10% more than it currently does, which would make it anywhere from 10-15% more costly than regular gas....

What a marketing scam...

[MetroMPG]

FastPlastic: good point.

Topher: "If they ever do" being the key phrase.

I would have to think that at least the Netherlands would have some regulatory body equivalent to EPA to try to keep false claims out of the market.

Oh wait... I just remembered that Shell's corporate headquarters are in the Netherlands. Never mind.

[Christ]

Our local Shell station sells at the same price as everyone else, and they have the "Nitrogen Enriched" fuel there.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by theycallmeebryan

it would probably cost 5-10% more than it currently does, which would make it anywhere from 10-15% more costly than regular gas....

At least in the Malaysian press releases, they make a point of saying it's being sold at regular prices - actually the least expensive blend available. Not sure about the Netherlands.

[cfg83]

Hello -

Maybe they're just upgrading the Malasian Shell gasoline to our formulas. Where is the gas sold by Shell being processed?

CarloSW2

[tasdrouille]

My bet is that we already have the good stuff with the frictions modifiers here, but they just got it.

[MetroMPG]

I considered that, but in the Netherlands too?

Home country of Shell Oil?

I would have expected they'd be getting the good stuff already.