Shell V-Power, TotalEnergies Excellium and GOIL Super XP 95 emerge as premium options for motorists seeking engine protection and fuel efficiency
Research By Kwabena Adu Koranteng
The quality of petrol sold at filling stations across Ghana has become an important concern for motorists, particularly those seeking to protect their vehicle engines, improve fuel economy and avoid the expensive consequences of contaminated or adulterated petroleum products.
With several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) competing for customers in Ghana’s downstream petroleum market, motorists are increasingly asking a fundamental question: Which company sells the best-quality petrol, and where can consumers obtain fuel they can trust?
Although the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) regulates petroleum product quality and monitors the activities of licensed operators, concerns about fuel quality, contamination and possible adulteration make it important for consumers to pay attention to where they purchase petrol.
Among the established operators offering premium petrol products are Shell, TotalEnergies and GOIL.
SHELL V-POWER: PREMIUM FUEL FOR ENGINE PROTECTION
Shell, operated in Ghana by Vivo Energy Ghana, markets its premium Shell V-Power petrol as a specially formulated fuel containing additives designed to help clean engine components and prevent the accumulation of deposits.
The product is positioned as a premium option for motorists interested in maintaining engine performance and protecting important fuel-system components.
Its cleaning properties make it an attractive option for drivers who want to maintain their vehicles in good operating condition.
TOTALENERGIES EXCELLIUM: ADDITIVE-ENHANCED PETROL
TotalEnergies markets Excellium as a premium fuel containing specially formulated additives designed to help clean and protect engine components.
The product is intended to minimise deposits in important parts of the fuel system and help maintain engine performance.
For motorists who prioritise fuel quality and engine maintenance, Excellium is another product worth considering.
GOIL SUPER XP 95: GHANAIAN PREMIUM PETROL
GOIL, one of Ghana’s leading indigenous petroleum marketing companies, also offers Super XP 95.
The petrol is marketed with XP3 additives and has a Research Octane Number (RON) of 95.
Its formulation is designed to support engine cleanliness and performance.
For motorists whose vehicle manufacturers recommend RON 95 petrol, GOIL Super XP 95 is an option worth considering.
DOES PREMIUM PETROL ALWAYS MEAN BETTER FUEL?
One important distinction motorists must understand is that premium petrol does not automatically mean uncontaminated petrol.
The octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking. It does not, by itself, establish whether the fuel is free from adulteration or contamination.
Similarly, a higher octane rating does not necessarily translate into better fuel economy or improved performance in every vehicle.
Motorists should therefore follow the octane specifications recommended by their vehicle manufacturers.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
A scientific study published in 2025 examined petrol samples collected from selected filling stations operated by GOIL, Shell and TotalEnergies in Ghana.
The researchers reported that the samples tested were not adulterated.
However, the study covered only seven filling stations. Its findings should therefore not be interpreted as proof that every station belonging to these companies consistently sells petrol of identical quality.
The findings nevertheless provide useful evidence in the ongoing discussion about petroleum product quality in Ghana.
NPA MUST STRENGTHEN FUEL QUALITY SURVEILLANCE
The National Petroleum Authority has an important responsibility to ensure that petroleum products sold to Ghanaian consumers meet the required national quality standards.
The Authority must continue strengthening its monitoring, inspection and laboratory-testing activities to identify contaminated, substandard or adulterated fuel.
Consumers also deserve greater transparency about the quality of petroleum products supplied to the market.
Regular publication of fuel-quality inspection results, including the names and locations of stations found to be selling substandard products, would help improve accountability and public confidence.
WHERE SHOULD MOTORISTS BUY?
For motorists seeking premium petrol with engine-cleaning additives, Shell V-Power, TotalEnergies Excellium and GOIL Super XP 95 are three established options worth considering.
However, no responsible assessment should declare one company the undisputed supplier of Ghana’s cleanest or most undiluted petrol without comprehensive, independent laboratory testing across its filling stations.
Ultimately, motorists should patronise licensed, reputable filling stations, use the correct petrol grade for their vehicles and report suspected fuel adulteration to the NPA.
