OREANDA-NEWS. Bashneft Group started producing a new generation fuel to be sold under the ATUM brand name; it will be more environmentally friendly, and fuel performance will be improved. The sales of the first product, AI-92 ATUM gasoline meeting the Euro 5 standard, are to start on October 1 at Bashneft's filling stations in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Basic AI-92 fuel meeting the Euro 5 standard will still be sold via Bashneft's retail network

'The new branded fuel is another practical result of the Group's investments in the development of advanced refining technologies and upgrades at Ufa refineries,' emphasized Bashneft's President Alexander Korsik. 'By putting ATUM on the market, we demonstrate that we aim to make only high-quality products, be environmentally conscious and promote positive changes in the life of consumers and the society.'

The new high-quality ATUM fuel is a result of cooperation between Bashneft and BASF, one of the world's leading chemical companies. Technologies used in the production of ATUM are based on advanced research and development, requirements of fuel systems of modern vehicles, expertise of other companies in using premium fuels.

Research conducted in an accredited BASF testing laboratory in Germany showed that ATUM fuel based on AI-92 gasoline is highly effective in engine cleaning, removing deposits and keeping the fuel system clean. This helps to improve engine performance in accordance with its initial settings, the rated capacity and the maximum useful life; besides, this reduces fuel consumption and atmospheric emissions. ATUM's cleansing properties meet the requirements of the Worldwide Fuel Charter and match European premium fuels.

Compared to ordinary gasoline, exhaust emissions from vehicles using ATUM contain less sulphur, benzene, aromatic hydrocarbons and other carcinogens.

ATUM's formula ensures that the engine will switch over to a new operating mode smoothly and prevents adverse effects. Besides, ATUM is resistant to cold and ensures a high level of protection of the key engine components against corrosion.

In the next two years, Bashneft plans to start selling ATUM AI-95 gasoline and diesel fuel.

The sales of ATUM AI-92 fuel in Udmurtia are expected to begin on October 15; starting from 2014, it will also be sold in the Orenburg Region and the Sverdlovsk Region.