China's independently developed 103-octane fuel oil has been put into use in Xinjiang. According to official media, this breaks China's long-term reliance on imported fuels for top-level racing events and marks that China's refining technology has reached world-class levels.
Science and Technology Daily, overseen by China's Ministry of Science and Technology, reported that at the opening ceremony of the China Taklimakan Rally (held on Saturday, May 16th), Sinopec launched its independently developed and produced Aipao 103 Racing-Grade Fuel Oil.
According to reports, the fuel’s octane rating surpasses 103, which is five grades higher than commercially available 98 RON gasoline, and can effectively suppress engine knocking, protecting the engine’s stable operation under high compression, heavy loads, and other demanding conditions.
The 103 racing-grade fuel has become the designated fuel for the China Taklimakan Rally, specifically designed for racing engines operating at high speeds, under heavy loads, and for extended periods.
This is reportedly the first batch of domestically industrially produced 103-octane high-grade racing gasoline in China, filling a domestic gap for high-performance racing fuels and ending China’s long-term reliance on imported fuels for top-tier racing events.
Due to the impact of conflict in the Middle East, the closure of the energy artery Hormuz Strait has disrupted global crude oil supply. As a result, China’s crude oil imports in April fell by 20% year-on-year, hitting the lowest level in nearly four years.