For many Egyptian drivers, the decision at the petrol station is a balance between daily budget and long-term car health. With the most recent price adjustments in late 2025, many are asking if the jump to 95 is a luxury or a necessity.
The Technical Difference: 92 vs. 95
The number (92 or 95) represents the Octane Rating, which is a measure of the fuel's resistance to "knocking." Knocking occurs when the fuel-air mixture explodes before the spark plug fires.
Gasoline 92: Suitable for standard, naturally aspirated engines found in many older or budget-friendly models.
Gasoline 95: Essential for Turbocharged engines and high-compression modern vehicles (common in newer European, Korean, and Chinese brands in Egypt).
92 vs. 95 Octane: A Financial and Performance Comparison
In Egypt, the price gap between 92 and 95 is often narrower than in other global markets. Here is how the numbers look as of January 2026:
| Feature | Gasoline 92 | Gasoline 95 |
| Current Price (per Liter) | 19.25 EGP | 21.00 EGP |
| Price Difference | Baseline | +1.75 EGP |
| Fuel Economy | Standard | Up to 4% better in modern ECUs |
| Cleaning Additives | Standard | Enhanced (e.g., Mobil Super Plus 95) |
| Best For | Older cars / Non-turbo engines | Turbo engines / Extreme heat driving |
The "Real" Cost Benefit
If you drive a modern car that recommends 95-octane, using 92 can actually cost you more. When the engine detects knocking from 92-octane, the car's computer (ECU) "retards" the ignition timing to protect the engine. This reduces your fuel efficiency by roughly 3% to 5%.
The Math: If 95-octane gives you 4% better mileage, you are effectively paying almost the same price per kilometer as 92, while getting a cleaner engine and better protection against the Cairo heat.
Octane Boosters: A Cheap Fix or a Risk?
Many drivers try to save money by using 92-octane fuel and adding a bottle of "Octane Booster." While this seems like a smart hack, there are several things to consider:
Cost Inconsistency: A high-quality booster often costs more than the price difference of a full tank of 95.
Sensor Damage: Some lower-quality boosters contain MMT (Manganese) which can leave orange deposits on your spark plugs and Oxygen sensors, leading to a "Check Engine" light.
Emergency Use Only: Boosters are great if you are traveling to a remote area where only 80 or 92 is available, but they are not a substitute for high-quality 95-octane fuel for daily use.
Check our additives section: fuel , oil and coolant additives
Q&A: Common Questions from Egyptian Drivers
Q: Will using 95-octane make my 20-year-old car faster?
A: No. If your engine was designed for 80 or 92 octane, 95 will not provide extra power. You are paying for "stability" that your engine doesn't need.
Q: Is 95-octane "cleaner" than 92?
A: In the Egyptian market, companies like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies often add superior cleaning detergents to their 95-octane blends. These additives help remove carbon deposits from your fuel injectors and valves.
Q: Can I mix 92 and 95 if the station is out of 95?
A: Yes. Mixing them is perfectly safe and results in an "in-between" octane level. It is much better to have a mix of 92/95 than to run your tank completely empty.
Q: Why does my car "ping" (tas'if) when I use 92 in the summer?
A: This is "heat-soak." The air entering your engine is so hot that it causes the 92-octane fuel to ignite prematurely. Switching to 95 during the hottest months (July and August) is a common way to stop this sound and protect the engine.
Are you hearing a metallic "pinging" sound when you accelerate in the heat? It might be time to check your spark plugs or switch your fuel grade. Would you like me to help you find the manufacturer-recommended fuel type for your specific car model?