How to Tell the Difference Between Genuine and Counterfeit Oil

KatadataOTO – Oil in motor vehicle engines plays an important role. Therefore, premium quality lubricant is needed to protect the combustion chamber.

However, counterfeit lubricants have recently appeared on the market. This haunts consumers as it can have fatal consequences.

The circulation of counterfeit oil in Indonesia is quite concerning. With the lure of cheaper prices, consumers can suffer losses.

PT Pertamina Lubricants, as one of the lubricant manufacturers, is also paying attention to the spread of counterfeit oil in the country. Because the losses are not only on the consumer side, but also for business actors.

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“We have a great responsibility to ensure consumers get oil products whose authenticity and quality are maintained. We fully support the efforts of law enforcement in handling cases and continue to take action against perpetrators,” said Werry Prayogi, President Director of Pertamina Lubricants in a press release (21/02).

It was further stated that Pertamina Lubricants (PTPL) is committed to providing protection for consumers.

It is said that lubricants made by Pertamina have obtained SNI certification. Both for the automotive and industrial segments.

In daily mobility, the use of counterfeit oil can have a significant effect. The most noticeable is a decrease in engine performance.

When the lubricant cannot protect the engine properly, friction between components is unavoidable. This causes the engine to experience wear and tear until it breaks down.

In long-term use, when the engine is damaged, the vehicle maintenance costs will be higher. Because many components have to be replaced.

“In certain cases, such as diesel oil without detergent or dispersant additives, engine damage can occur directly. Likewise with industrial lubricants that require special specifications, such as compressor lubricants, counterfeit oil can damage the system instantly,” said Nurudin, Quality Manager of Pertamina Lubricants.

There are four ways to check the authenticity of Pertamina Lubricants products. This helps consumers in making their choice.

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How to Differentiate Genuine and Fake Pertamina Oil

QR Code on the physical & digital anti-counterfeiting label sticker: The QR Code on the bottle sticker contains a unique code of 9 – 10 characters (random numbers & letters). When scanned, the code directs to the Lubes ID website.
Bottle cap with hologram: There is a fine original hologram with a dot character that is visible at a 45-degree angle.
Batch number on the cap and neck of the bottle: There is an 8-digit batch number positioned straight, upright, and parallel.
Triple layer bottle technology: When the cap is opened, the color of the inside of the bottle is different from the outside.

In addition to the methods above, consumers are expected to buy products from trusted places. This can minimize the risk of buying counterfeit oil.