Branded vs Unbranded Fuel

Branded fuel companies add their own proprietary additive packages ('performance chemistry') at the terminal loading rack before delivery to forecourts. Shell claims PurePlus technology, BP claims ACTIVE technology, and Esso/Mobil claims Synergy. These typically include detergents to clean fuel injectors, friction modifiers to reduce wear, and corrosion inhibitors.

The marketing claims around 'better MPG' with branded fuel should be treated sceptically. In new engines with clean injectors, there is little to no benefit. In high-mileage engines with partially fouled direct injectors, there is some independent evidence of a 1–3% improvement after sustained use of additive-enriched fuel. But this would take many tanks to manifest, not one fill-up.

Premium branded fuels (Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate, Esso Synergy Supreme) use higher octane rating (RON 97–99) alongside enhanced additive packages. These are a different and more significant product category where the RON benefit to suitable engines is real.

For price comparison purposes, the practical answer for most drivers is: standard supermarket fuel vs standard branded fuel is functionally equivalent. The 5–8p/L premium for branded standard fuel is rarely justified on efficiency grounds alone.