Is there a benefit in using premium 99 RON fuel?
We have been using Shell V Power in our vehicles for a very long time, indeed since it was called Shell Optimax. We don’t drive performance vehicles, I currently drive a Toyota RAV4 and my wife a Toyota Corolla GR Sport and we use this fuel on the basis that its added ingredients keep our engines clean and perhaps provide a little extra MPG. The extra cost compared to 95 ron unleaded is mitigated by some extent through using the Shell app which provides money off fuel through points and we’re happy to pay more if it keeps our engines healthy.
However recently a number of our local Shell petrol stations have swapped to Esso so we find ourselves having to travel further afield to fill up with Shell V Power which is becoming inconvenient.
Is there evidence that other petrol companies premium unleaded, such as Esso, BP, Texaco and Supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsburys is just as beneficial as V Power? In your opinion, given the vehicles we drive, do you believe there a definite benefit in using 99 ron fuel instead of 95 ron?
However recently a number of our local Shell petrol stations have swapped to Esso so we find ourselves having to travel further afield to fill up with Shell V Power which is becoming inconvenient.
Is there evidence that other petrol companies premium unleaded, such as Esso, BP, Texaco and Supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsburys is just as beneficial as V Power? In your opinion, given the vehicles we drive, do you believe there a definite benefit in using 99 ron fuel instead of 95 ron?
Asked on 31 March 2026 by William Husband
Answered by
David Ross
Shell V-Power is a premium fuel that has additional additives designed to promote engine longevity, reduce engine deposits and subsequently improve performance and economy. There is no independent testing to support its benefits, but anecdotally some owners find that their vehicles run better on this fuel. Other fuel brands promote their own premium fuels which make similar claims regarding additives and their benefits, but again there is no independent evidence regarding their efficacy.
Using higher octane fuels primarily benefits high performance cars where the increased octane allows the car to automatically adjust the ignition timing for additional power, but on non-performance vehicles this benefit is negligible or zero, depending on its exact specification. Given that there is no independent evidence to their benefits the gains from premium fuels appear to be more anecdotal, so we would suggest making a decision based on your own experience as well as whether or not the increased cost in the current climate is justifiable and affordable.
Using higher octane fuels primarily benefits high performance cars where the increased octane allows the car to automatically adjust the ignition timing for additional power, but on non-performance vehicles this benefit is negligible or zero, depending on its exact specification. Given that there is no independent evidence to their benefits the gains from premium fuels appear to be more anecdotal, so we would suggest making a decision based on your own experience as well as whether or not the increased cost in the current climate is justifiable and affordable.
Tags:
petrol
premium fuel
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