Fuel octane ratings by country
Most of the world rates gasoline in RON; the US, Canada and Mexico average RON and MON into AKI, which reads 4–6 points lower for the same fuel. European “95” is ordinary — do not panic at US “87 regular”.
| Country | Regular (RON) | Premium (RON) | Rating system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany / France / most EU | 95 (E10) | 98–100 | RON |
| United Kingdom | 95 (E10) | 97–99 | RON |
| Japan | 90 | 98 | RON |
| China | 92 | 95–98 | RON |
| Russia | 92 | 95–98 | RON |
| Australia | 91 | 95–98 | RON |
| Thailand | 91 (gasohol 91) | 95–98 | RON |
| India | 91 | 97–100 | RON |
| United States | 87 (≈91 AKI) | 91–94 (≈95–98 AKI) | AKI (RON+MON)/2 |
| Canada | 87 | 91–94 | AKI |
| Mexico | 87 (Magna) | 92 (Premium) | AKI |
| Brazil | 87 E27 (regular) | 91+ (premium) | AKI-style |
| Argentina | 95 RON (súper sin plomo) | 98–100 RON (premium) | RON |
Notes
- AKI ≈ RON − 4 to 6 points for the same fuel: US 87 AKI ≈ 91–92 RON.
- Turbo engines requiring “premium” in RON countries typically need 91+ AKI in North America.
- Ethanol blends change pump naming (E10, E27, E85) but not the octane of the gasoline fraction.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use US 87 regular in a European car that needs 95 RON?
- US 87 AKI equals roughly 91–92 RON — below the 95 RON requirement. Use the mid-grade or premium (89–93 AKI) if the manual demands 95 RON.
- What is the difference between RON and AKI?
- RON is measured under milder conditions than MON; AKI (US pumps) is the average of both, reading 4–6 points lower than RON for identical fuel.
- What happens if I use lower octane than required?
- Modern engines retard ignition and lose power and efficiency; prolonged use can cause knock damage in high-compression or turbo engines.