Evaluación de la calidad de los combustibles en Ecuador frente a modelos de referencia internacionales

Fuel quality is a determining factor for the sustainable development of nations, directly influencing energy efficiency, vehicle performance, public health, and environmental conservation. This study aims to analyze, using a quantitative approach, public perceptions of fuel quality in Ecuador, comparing the results with international benchmarks, in order to identify regulatory gaps and propose guidelines for improvement. Through structured surveys conducted with drivers across different regions of the country, aspects such as vehicle efficiency, economic impact, engine performance, pollutant emissions, and the need for energy policy reforms were evaluated. The results show that respondents believe that low-quality fuel affects their finances and the durability of their vehicles, while a large number of them demand urgent improvement policies. The discussion compares these results with international practices, highlighting the superiority of regulatory frameworks such as those applied in the European Union or the United States, which impose strict standards for octane, sulfur content, and additives. This analysis concludes that Ecuador faces a significant gap with respect to advanced energy models, which negatively impacts technical efficiency, social costs, and the environment.