Complaints from Kazakhstani drivers about problems with their cars after filling up with AI-95 and AI-98 petrol prompted a fuel inspection at the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant (PNHZ). Tests on arbitration samples, carried out on 25 August 2026, confirmed that the samples studied met the established requirements.
WHAT THE LABORATORY CHECK REVEALED
According to the press service of PNHZ, arbitration samples of motor petrol were examined at the independent laboratory SGS Kazakhstan.
The laboratory confirmed that the samples complied with GOST 32513-2013. The plant also reported that AI-95 and AI-98 petrol met the requirements of the Customs Union technical regulation TR CU 013/2011.
The press service of JSC «KazMunayGas» stated that the test results for batches shipped by the plant also confirm the quality of the products.
WHAT IS AN ARBITRATION SAMPLE
PNHZ explained that when batches are certified, each consignment of petroleum products shipped undergoes analysis in an independent laboratory on the plant's territory.
After testing, the samples are sealed as arbitration samples and stored in a dedicated warehouse. They are kept for 45 days and may be used if disputes arise over the quality of the petroleum product.
WHY THE INSPECTION WAS LAUNCHED
The inspection was preceded by numerous complaints from drivers, including those from Astana, about how their cars performed after filling up with AI-95 and AI-98 petrol.
Vehicle owners reported various problems: cars were difficult to start, the engine ran unevenly, there were misfires and fuel mixture errors.
Among the vehicles whose owners reported such issues, staff at service stations (STOs) named BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and cars from Chinese brands.
Later, Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported that the ministry was aware of the complaints. According to him, the Ministry of Energy is keeping the matter under control.
