Government denies claims that RON95 causes fire during accidents

KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that RON95 petrol causes fire during accidents as it is high in benzene is not true, Dewan Negara heard Thursday.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim said studies showed that the fires were caused by sparks, the engine, leaks or spills at the fuel tank.

"RON95 meets specification of EURO2M to reduce pollution from sulphur emission as its contains only 5% benzene.

"Benzene acts as octane booster and replaces lead," she added.

RON or Research Obtain Number determines the petrol's anti-knock quality or resistance to pre-ignition.

Rohani told Senator Ahmad Hussin that the petrol contains 95% iso-octane and the rest heptane while RON97 has 3% heptane.

"It is the best choice for Malaysians. The government will never harm the people," she added.

The government stopped the use of leaded petrol in the 1990s as it could cause cancer and not environment friendly.

It was replaced with RON92 which was stopped on September 1 last year and replaced with RON95 and RON97. Bernama