Viral Claim That Mixing Eucalyptus Oil with Petrol Can Save Fuel: Is It True?
Claims that mixing eucalyptus oil into petrol can make vehicle fuel consumption more economical are currently circulating widely on social media. However, Leopold Oscar Nelwan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, IPB University, has emphasised that these claims lack adequate scientific evidence. Leopold warned the public not to easily trust information that is not supported by robust research.
According to him, while there are studies examining the use of eucalyptus oil as a fuel blend, these involve specific oil specifications and scientifically designed compositions. These studies suggest that, in certain proportions, such oil can improve certain engine performance parameters and reduce emissions.
“This is different from the practice circulating among the public, which involves adding small amounts of commercial eucalyptus oil into vehicle tanks. To date, there is no sufficient scientific evidence that this method can consistently increase the fuel efficiency of standard production vehicles,” stated Leopold, as quoted from the official IPBL website.
He explained that eucalyptus oil consists of various volatile organic compounds, with the main component being 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol. When mixed with petrol, these compounds can indeed affect fuel properties, such as volatility, octane rating, and combustion characteristics. However, the extent of these changes depends heavily on the composition and the amount used.
Leopold emphasised the importance of distinguishing between a fuel blend and a fuel additive. He noted that a fuel blend is used in proportions ranging from several per cent to dozens of per cent to significantly alter fuel properties. In contrast, additives are added in very small concentrations and must have a specific mechanism of action to be effective. Currently, there is no scientific explanation proving that commercial eucalyptus oil works through such a mechanism.
In addition to the unproven benefits, Leopold warned of the potential risks of using commercial eucalyptus oil as a petrol mixture. He noted that the composition of commercial products can vary between manufacturers and they are not designed as fuel components. The impact on mixture stability, deposit formation, compatibility with fuel systems, and the long-term durability of injectors and engine components still requires further research.
As scientifically proven methods to save fuel consumption, Leopold suggested that vehicle owners maintain tyre pressure according to recommendations, perform regular maintenance, use oil and fuel according to manufacturer specifications, reduce vehicle load, and adopt smooth driving styles without excessive acceleration and braking.