Petrol Types in Australia Explained: 91, 95, 98, Diesel and E10

**The numbers on the pump (91, 95 and 98) refer to octane ratings, which measure how well a fuel resists engine knock.** Using the fuel your car manufacturer specifies will protect your engine while getting the best value for money. This guide covers every fuel type available in Australia, when to use each one, and exactly what to do if you accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car.

At APW Fuel in Wentworthville, we stock five grades: 91 Unleaded, E10, 95 Premium Unleaded, 98 Ultra Premium and Diesel Gold (premium diesel). **Whether you drive a daily commuter or a heavy-duty work ute, here is everything you need to know before you pull up to the pump.**

What Do the Numbers on the Pump Mean? (91, 95 and 98)

The number on each petrol pump is the **Research Octane Number (RON)**: a measure of a fuel's resistance to pre-detonation, also called engine "knock." **The higher the RON, the more evenly the fuel burns under high compression.** Turbocharged and high-performance engines require higher octane fuel because they operate at greater cylinder pressures.

Fuel Type	RON Rating	Best For
**91 Unleaded (ULP)**	91	Standard commuter cars, older vehicles
**E10 (Ethanol Blend)**	~94 effective	E10-compatible modern vehicles
**95 Premium (PULP)**	95	Most European cars, many modern SUVs
**98 Ultra Premium**	98	High-performance, turbocharged, and luxury cars

91 Unleaded: The Reliable Standard

**91 Unleaded is the most common fuel in Australia and is perfectly suited for the majority of standard passenger vehicles.** It provides a stable, consistent burn for engines that do not require high compression. At APW Fuel, we ensure our 91 Unleaded is of the highest quality, providing reliable performance for your daily commute across Western Sydney.

E10: The Ethanol Alternative

E10 is a blend of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% ethanol. While it often has a higher octane rating than 91 Unleaded, it contains less energy. **This means your engine may consume up to 3% more fuel when running on E10 compared to pure 91 Unleaded.** While many modern cars are E10 compatible, we recommend checking your owner's manual or fuel cap before filling up.

95 and 98 Premium: When Does Your Car Need It?

**Premium fuels (95 and 98) are designed for engines with higher compression ratios or turbochargers.** Using 91 Unleaded in an engine designed for 98 can lead to "knocking," which can cause long-term engine damage. Conversely, using 98 in a car designed for 91 rarely provides a noticeable performance boost, though the cleaning additives in premium fuels can help keep your fuel system clean.

Diesel and Diesel Gold: Powering Western Sydney

Standard diesel is the workhorse of the Australian transport industry. However, **Diesel Gold (our premium diesel) contains advanced additives designed to clean fuel injectors and improve combustion efficiency.** For fleet owners and tradies in Western Sydney, Diesel Gold can lead to better fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs over time.

What to Do if You Misfuel (Wrong Fuel in Car)

**Misfuelling is a common mistake, with over 7,500 incidents occurring in Australia every year.** If you realise you've put the wrong fuel in your car, the most important rule is: **DO NOT START THE ENGINE.**

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix 91 and 98 petrol?

**Yes, you can mix different octane ratings of unleaded petrol without damaging your engine.** Your car's computer will adjust to the resulting octane level. However, you should always aim for the minimum rating recommended by your manufacturer.

Is premium diesel worth it?

**Yes, premium diesel like Diesel Gold contains detergents that help remove carbon deposits from your engine.** This is particularly beneficial for modern common-rail diesel engines used in most utes and vans.

How do I know which fuel my car needs?

**The easiest way to check is to look at the inside of your fuel filler flap or consult your vehicle's owner's manual.** It will specify the minimum RON required for your engine.