Water content

There is no limit to the water content in gasoline in Bolivia. This parameter averaged 628 mg/kg between 2020 and 2022, according to the SGS Worldwide Fuel Survey (WWFS). The highest value, of 928 mg/kg, was found in a sample of RON 92 E12 gasoline in La Paz in August 2020. These high values could be related to the ethanol content samples. Due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, ethanol exhibits strong hydrogen bonding interactions, very similar to those found in water. This effect means that ethanol is hygroscopic in nature and tends to absorb water that may be present in distribution, storage and in vehicle fuel systems. Bioethanol requires special handling to prevent high water content and the consequent risk of corrosion and microbial growth.