Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) is an advanced motor fuel developed to significantly reduce vehicle-related air pollution while maintaining engine efficiency and drivability. Unlike conventional gasoline, RFG is a performance-based fuel engineered through precise blending of hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and additives to meet stringent emission benchmarks.
Originally introduced under the U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments for urban ozone-control zones, RFG concepts are now adopted globally to reduce smog, toxic air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions while remaining compatible with modern engine technologies.
Refining & Production Process
Hydrotreating & Hydrodesulfurization (HDS)
Ultra-low sulfur removal
Protects emission-control catalysts
Improves combustion cleanliness
Reforming & Isomerization
Boosts octane with reduced aromatics
Lowers benzene and PAHs
Produces cleaner-burning hydrocarbons
Controlled Oxygenate Blending
Ethanol or MTBE improves combustion efficiency
Reduces carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
Optimizes emission performance
Volatility Optimization
Seasonal RVP adjustment
Prevents excessive evaporation
Ensures cold-start reliability
Environmental & Emission Benefits
VOC reduction by 15–25%
Benzene reduction up to 30–40%
Carbon monoxide emissions reduced by 20–30%
Lower NOx formation improving urban air quality
Extended lifespan of catalytic converters
Advanced Performance Characteristics
Uniform combustion and flame propagation
Reduced knocking and pre-ignition
Lower injector and intake valve deposits
Stable air-fuel ratio supporting turbocharged and direct-injection engines
Expanded Mechanical & Fuel Properties
Research Octane Number (RON): 91 – 95
Motor Octane Number (MON): 82 – 88
Sulfur Content: ≤ 30 ppm (often ≤ 10 ppm)
Benzene: < 1.0 vol%
Aromatics: ≤ 25–30 vol%
Oxygen Content: 2.0 – 3.5 wt%
RVP: 6.5 – 7.8 psi
Density @15°C: 0.73 – 0.76 kg/L
Types & Commercial Grades
Phase II / Phase III RFG for metropolitan regions
Ethanol-blended RFG (E10 / E15)
Premium and high-octane RFG for performance vehicles
Custom-specification RFG tailored to regional regulations
Applications & Market Usage
Passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks
Urban commercial fleets and ride-sharing vehicles
Mandatory fuel in air-quality non-attainment zones
Cleaner fuel for marine and small-engine use
International trading under ASTM / EPA-equivalent specs
Advantages vs Conventional Gasoline
Significantly lower emissions
Ultra-low sulfur and benzene content
Improved engine cleanliness
High regulatory compliance
Enhanced environmental and public health benefits