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Ethanol fuel scam hitting bikes in Vietnam
Posted :
25-08-2006
A spate of breakdowns in motorcycle-reliant Vietnam has been blamed on illegal fuel additives, following a recent hike in the cost of petrol.
Research by automotive engineer Mr Nguyen Minh Dong reveals that the widespread adulteration of petrol with ethanol is probably responsible for the series of breakdowns across Vietnam.
When introduced to ordinary fuel, ethanol can cause susceptible rubber parts in motorcycle engines to swell and crack causing breakdowns. Similar effects could be caused by the addition of cheap kerosene to fuel.
Vietnam's deputy minister of science and technology, Bui Manh Haim and the technical head of its petroleum import organisation Petrolimex have also voiced suspicions that illegal fuel adulteration at filling stations may be responsible.
The majority of the motorcycle breakdowns have been limited to the Ho Chi Minh City region, after the government hiked prices to 12,000 Vietnamese Dong (US$0.75) per litre.
 © Adfero Ltd The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd
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