Nizhny Novgorod residents were warned about the risks of "gasoline tablets."

      June 24, 2026 19:37 Society The so-called octane-boosting tablets are actively advertised on the internet. Sellers promise that with their help, ordinary fuel can be turned into premium fuel and save on refueling. A comment on this matter by Ivan Grishin, a professor at the Department of Oil Chemistry at NNGU, was published in the Max channel by Alexey Nikонов, the editor-in-chief of the medical publication "Statsionar-Press." The scientist explained the potential consequences of such experiments. Additives in the form of tablets are conditionally divided into two types. The first type consists of real anti-detonators, such as ferrocene and naphthalene. They can increase the octane number by 1-3 units but are harmful to the engine. Ferrocene quickly damages spark plugs, while naphthalene forms soot and precipitates at low temperatures, clogging the fuel system. The second group consists of combustion modifiers. Manufacturers claim a "catalytic effect" due to active substances or rare earth metals. In practice, their influence is minimal—about 0.1-0.5%—and they are not capable of significantly increasing the octane number. Moreover, the metals in the composition negatively affect the spark plugs and catalysts. As Ivan Grishin emphasized, gasoline at gas stations is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and factory additives selected in strict proportions. "The octane number is important, but it is far from the only parameter characterizing fuel quality," Ivan Grishin emphasized. He noted that the unauthorized addition of foreign substances can lead to undesirable chemical reactions and deterioration of fuel properties. As a result, the risk of engine failure increases. Ivan Grishin also added that attempts to add alcohol to gasoline often lead to the formation of a water phase at the bottom of the tank, which can cause engine stalling and costly repairs. Additionally, many effective anti-detonators are toxic and require special protection when handling. It should be noted that earlier, the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, reported that the region is supplied with the necessary volume of gasoline and diesel fuel. According to him, after negotiations with the government of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Energy of Russia, and the management of Lukoil, the volumes and schedules for deliveries were agreed upon. The approved figures fully correspond to the usual level of fuel consumption in the region. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+