The deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, Alexander Novak, has tasked Rosprirodnadzor with examining whether monomethylaniline (MMA) could be used as an additive in the production of environmental class K5 fuels, including AI-92, AI-95, and AI-98 gasoline. At this stage, the agency has not completed an assessment of MMA’s effects on air quality, emissions, or public health. The decision to study MMA follows ongoing policy conversations about fuel composition and environmental standards, especially as regulatory bodies weigh the trade-offs between cost, performance, and safety.
Historically, MMA found its way into some Russian refineries as a potential octane booster. However, in 2016 the Ministry of Energy prohibited its use because of concerns about adverse effects on fuel quality, vehicle performance, and the broader environment. That period also marked Russia’s shift toward Euro-5 gasoline standards, a move aimed at reducing harmful emissions and aligning with international benchmarks. The ban reflected a broader trend of tightening fuel additives to meet evolving environmental and health protections while balancing industrial efficiency.
MMA functions as an octane enhancer, which means it can raise the octane number of gasoline. In practical terms, higher octane fuels help engines run more efficiently and can reduce knocking in certain engines. From a production perspective, using MMA could lower overall refinery costs by approximately 10-15 percent. If MMA were reintroduced, proponents argue it might enable greater output of AI-95 gasoline, with estimates suggesting that for each ton of MMA, about 100 tons of AI-95 could be produced under specific refinery configurations. These figures illustrate why the additive remains a point of discussion within the energy and petrochemical sectors, especially as refineries seek to optimize margins while complying with environmental rules.
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As the government continues to evaluate MMA, observers are eyeing several critical questions: What are the precise air quality implications of using MMA at large scale? How would MMA influence emissions regulations under current and upcoming standards? What are the health risks for workers in refineries and for the broader public if MMA is used in fuel production? The Russian government and its agencies are expected to publish findings and guidance that weigh these factors against potential cost savings and production increases—distinctions that are especially relevant for regions with heavy refinery activity and for fleets operating AI-92, AI-95, and AI-98 grades. All of these considerations are part of a careful, data-driven approach to fuel composition, ensuring that any policy shift does not compromise air quality or public health—while also supporting domestic energy resilience. The situation remains dynamic, and stakeholders await formal conclusions from regulatory bodies and independent health and environmental assessments. — Izvestia