DOE: Manganese content in gas won't damage engines

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday allayed fears that the manganese content in gasoline will damage vehicle engines.

In a press conference, DOE director Zenaida Monsada confirmed the presence of manganese in fuels sold by independent players in the country as an octane rating enhancer, but said it is within the tolerable limit of 18 parts per million.

"'Di siya nakakasira, very low concentration lang siya," Monsada said, following reports of health concerns regarding gasoline manganese content.

The DOE director said independent players are allowed to add manganese to their fuel products to reach the DOE's standard octane rating. She however added that the country's Big 3 oil companies - Chevron, Petron and Pilipinas Shell - have no manganese content.

The DOE's new standard for octane rating for gasoline is 91 RON (research octane number) for minimum gasoline rate, 95 RON for premium and 97 RON for premium plus.

Source: ANC