By Tony Ng

Motorists may enjoy more fuel savings from today onwards with Shell's new fuel formula.

With the new "Shell FuelSave" formula, motorists can save up to one litre of fuel with every full tank.

This means you potentially save $1.85 if you pump a full tank of 98-octane fuel.

The new "Shell FuelSave" replaces previous 95- and 98-octane fuel formulas from today and will retail at the same price.

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.

The new formula also contains special detergents that keep inlet vales clean and prevent mileage-robbing deposits from building up in the engine.

While the fuel savings may not be that significant in terms of dollars and sense, studies seem to reveal that to a motorist, every cent counts.

Mr Henry Chu, general manager of Shell, said research has shown that "Singaporean motorists are now more aware and conscious of fuel efficiency with the figure rising from 24 to 74 per cent in the last two years."

Any savvy motorist know that driving habits are equally, if not more, important to improving fuel economy.

Which is why Shell has also roped in former NMP Ms Eunice Olsen to be its FuelSave ambassador. On her part, she will promote safe driving tips to motorists.

Lambasted for being 'anti-green'

Mr Chu said that the launch of the new fuel economy formula fuel has been 18 months in the making.

He said the withdrawal of 92-octane fuel from stations was to make space for the new FuelSave formula.

"We were under tremendous pressure when we removed our 92-octane fuel from our stations. But we had to keep quiet about this new product."

Shell stopped offering 92-octane fuel two months after its competitor Caltex re-introduced it in March this year. The withdrawal was subsequently lambasted for being "anti-green", among other things.

Responding to public criticism then, the oil giant could only cryptically explain that the withdrawal of the cheapest grade of petrol was to free up tank space for more popular grades of petrol.

However, The Straits Times' senior correspondent Christopher Tan remains sceptical about the withdrawal of 92-octane fuel.

He said: "A litre of 92-octane fuel costs $1.667, and the next grade - 95-octane - costs $1.717 (both before discount).

"That is a five-cent gap. Someone filling up a 70-litre tank with 92-octane fuel will save $3.50 as opposed to someone using 95-octane."

"That saving is far more than the saving which 'Shell FuelSave' claims to offer.

Mr Tan added: "In Singapore, the majority of cars will run fine on 92-octane fuel. In fact, some popular models do not specify a higher grade of fuel."

tonyng@sph.com.sg