I write response plans and operations manuals for oil companies.  In most cases, refineries produce a raw gasoline that is shipped out to distributors.  The distributor's truck rack will have several additive tanks sitting outside.  Tanker drivers specify what brand of gas they will be hauling and the appropriate additives are mixed in as the tank is loaded.  I have written facility plans for distributors that recieve raw gas from three different sources and send out five different brands of gas.  I have also written plans for facilities that recieve raw gas from a single source and ship one brand of gas.

I have been told by people in the industry to use brands of gas other than what they handle.  Chevron, Texaco and Shell have been the most recommended while Diamond Shamrock, Phillips and Arco have most often been snubbed.

Chuck

In a message dated Thu, 3 Oct 2002 10:03:55 AM Eastern Standard Time, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> I've heard this before - and I'm willing to believe it - but would like some
> real proof beyond heasay or simple parroting something they heard from someone
> else..
>
> To the contrary: yesterday I filled up the reliable TDI jetta at a Shell
> station.  I just happened to notice a small label on the Shell Pump "AMOCO
> Diesel".  Now I ask, if all gas, and presumably diesel too, comes from the
> same "pipline" why would Shell be obligated to state that the diesel they sell
> comes from AMOCO?
>
> Inquiering minds wanna know.
>
> bem
>
> JM/CO wrote:
>
> > Many gasoline suppliers would like you to believe otherwise, but ALL
> > gasoline comes out of the same pipeline. Aside from the fact that it is
> > seasonally adjusted, the brand doesn't matter, just the
> octane rating.