Latest news with #octane
Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘Can Anyone Explain?:' Man Pumps Gas at Shell Station. Then He Takes a Closer Look at Where His Fuel Is Coming From
When a man spotted just two pipes running from the ground into a three-grade fuel pump, he asked a question that earned him plenty of snark online. But here's the thing: He wasn't wrong to wonder. If you've ever chosen mid-grade gas, you've unknowingly been part of a clever little chemistry experiment. In a clip that's been viewed more than 3 million times, TikToker Jesse Miller ( @jess_m603 ) looks at the exposed piping on the gas pump he's using and wonders aloud why only two pipes are feeding into the pump from the underground storage tanks. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . He asks, 'Does anyone want to explain to me why there's two pipes that go in, but there's three (octane) options?' What Miller stumbled upon is actually how most gas stations across the U.S. work. Despite offering three fuel grades (typically 87, 89, and 91 or 93 octane), many stations only store two types of gasoline underground: regular (87 octane) and premium (91 or 93 octane). The midgrade option isn't stored separately; instead, it is created at the pump by blending the other two. This is a standard, regulated practice in the industry, not some shady corner-cutting maneuver. The pump blends the two fuels in real-time to create a consistent mid-grade option, all under the control of precision hardware and software. How Blended Midgrade Fuel Works Trending Now Pittsburgh Man Is Tired of Getting Roasted for Buying a Ford Bronco Sport. Then He Does Something About It 'They Would Exchange Stories Like it Was Vietnam:' Man Says Enterprise Was the 'Worst Job' He Ever Had. Here's Why Midgrade blending typically occurs either in the pump's metering chamber or in the fuel line leading to the nozzle. The proportions are managed by the dispenser's onboard software, which adjusts the mix according to the octane rating selected by the customer. For mid-grade, that might mean dispensing 50% regular fuel and 50% premium, although the exact ratio can vary depending on the specific grades used. The process is highly regulated. Blended fuel must meet strict octane accuracy standards enforced by state Weights and Measures programs. Pump calibration must be accurate to within a fraction of an octane point. Local agencies routinely inspect these dispensers to ensure compliance with these standards. The practice of blending fuel at the dispenser is a carefully engineered solution that reduces costs and simplifies operations at fuel stations. Most stations are designed with just two underground storage tanks . Having fewer tanks also means fewer potential failure points. With less hardware underground, there is a reduced risk of environmental contamination from tank leaks, and fewer inspections are needed to stay in compliance with state and federal regulations. According to the American Petroleum Institute, minimizing underground storage complexity helps operators reduce long-term environmental liability and operating overhead. For station owners, using pump-blending technology also means greater flexibility. Instead of dedicating a third tank to mid-grade fuel , something that may sell less frequently, they can create it only when needed, optimizing space and costs without compromising fuel quality. Is It Legit? Or a Scam? Miller's post solicited a lot of jokes, some at his expense. One person jested that the pipes pump Coca-Cola and water. Another jibed, 'Same reason why your sink can do hot, cold, and warm.' A third wrote, 'Hold onto your hat, but if you go even farther there's only one hose.' Despite the suspicions and jokes in the comments, there's no deception involved in this process. Fuel blending at the pump is a well-established and legal practice in the United States, regulated by both federal and state agencies. Each state maintains its own Weights and Measures program , which is responsible for inspecting fuel pumps, verifying accuracy, and ensuring compliance with labeling and volume regulations. Dispenser calibration is regularly tested to ensure that the proper octane levels are being delivered. Violations, such as dispensing under-octane fuel or shorting customers on volume, can result in significant fines or temporary shutdowns. Consumers are protected not only by automated systems inside the pumps themselves, but by regular oversight and enforcement from local regulators. Motor1 reached out to Miller via direct message. We'll update this article if he responds. More From Motor1 'Completely Misses the Point:' Germany Slams the EU's Gas Car Rental Ban Idea 'So Do Not Forget It:' Lamborghini Owner Says This Is How Much Gas Caps Are. So Why Isn't It Attached to the Car? 'If He Acts Like That From Rejection in Public…:' Female Motorcyclist Gets Hit on by Man at a Gas Station. Then She Rejects Him The 2026 Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Is the Antidote to Luxury SUVs Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Woman Finds Out She's Been Putting the Wrong Gas in Her BMW for a Month. What's the Damage?
TikToker @lenesha_a sparked confusion by admitting she'd been putting 93 octane gas in her BMW—even though the fuel cap says 89 or 91. But is using 93 a mistake? The answer is a bit more nuanced. @lenesha_a filmed her video from the cream-colored leather seats of her BMW. 'I've been putting the wrong gas in my BMW for the past month and here's the backstory to it,' she said. 'I bought a BMW a month ago, and I didn't know what gas goes in it, so I asked my brother, who owns a BMW, and he said 93.' @lenesha_a said she burned a lot of fuel and had to fill up at least twice per week. 'I decided to, like, look at what was written on the gas cap for the first time since I've had it for a month. … And it says 91 [AKI], in parentheses 89 [AKI]. I don't know if this messes up my engine or not. I don't know anything. But what I do know is that it was very dumbly girl-coded and I'm fairly embarrassed.' Motor1 reached out to @lenesha_a via TikTok direct message, but she didn't immediately respond. So, Should She Be Worried About Using the Wrong Gas Grade? In reality, @lenesha_a had very little to worry about. BMW typically labels its gas caps with a minimum octane requirement (in this case, 89) and a recommended level (in this case, 91). BMW may have designed her engine to perform optimally with 91, but higher-octane fuel like 93 is perfectly safe . In fact, if @lenesha_a used 93 as she said she did, it might have offered slight improvements in performance or efficiency. Think of it as giving the engine more room to breathe, especially under hard acceleration or hot conditions , like the ones impacting people over the country this summer. @lenesha_a's confusion stemmed from an assumption that using higher octane than recommended is harmful. It's not. Lower octane can potentially be a problem , if it causes knocking or reduced power, but higher octane won't hurt a BMW . In theory, Lenesha could use 93 on her BMW's engine indefinitely. Some fellow TikTok users explained it to her in the comments. Some spelled out for her that she has actually taken good care of her new purchase. 'In other words 91 minimum. If you live somewhere that doesn't have 91 and has 93 instead use that. 93 is even better,' a user named Davonte Powell said. Now Trending 'She Facetimes Him to Confirm…:' Mechanic Finds AirTag on Driver's Car. So They Decide to Play a Prank on His Girlfriend 'I Had to Call a Tow Truck:' Man Trades in Ford Explorer for 2023 Dodge Durango. He Claims Defect Has Left Him Stranded 6 Times Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
LBCI
06-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Fuel prices in Lebanon updated
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the price of 95 and 98 octane fuel increased by LBP 4,000, diesel remained unchanged, and gas dropped by LBP 41,000. The current prices for hydrocarbon derivatives are as follows: - Gasoline 95 octane: LBP 1,352,000 - Gasoline 98 octane: LBP 1,392,000 - Diesel: LBP 1,217,000 - Gas canister: LBP 938,000
