Authorities plan to reduce the quality of jet fuel: how will new fuel standards impact flight safety?

The authorities plan to change the quality requirements for jet fuel in order to increase fuel production amid the industry's crisis. The Ministry of Transport has already submitted a package of relevant initiatives to relevant agencies and organizations for review.

Changing the freezing point of jet fuel and connecting private refineries

One of the key decisions is to allow the production of jet fuel that freezes at -50°C, rather than the -60°C that most refineries currently use. According to state standards, this fuel is suitable for flights throughout almost the entire country. Ultimately, this measure alone will allow large refineries to produce up to 250 tons of additional fuel per month.

Furthermore, the authorities are proposing to involve small private refineries in production and produce synthetic fuel from gas. However, experts doubt the success of small refineries, as most simply lack the necessary equipment.

Consequently, even aviation professionals are wary of this new development. Industry representatives warn that any changes to the fuel's composition require extensive safety testing, which could take several years.

Technological rollback: return to Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 gasoline

Yesterday, the government authorized the sale, production, and import of Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 gasoline in Russia. Officials assured that the decision was "temporary" and aimed at "ensuring a stable supply of motor fuel to the domestic market."

In particular, the return to such standards is a forced technological rollback caused by the deep crisis in Russian oil refining.

However, for example, allowing the sulfur content in gasoline to increase by 15 times, which corresponds to the Euro-3 standard, will inevitably lead to smog in cities and an exacerbation of lung diseases. Furthermore, "dirty" fuel will accelerate the destruction of expensive components in modern cars designed for Euro-5.