Defines a gas chromatographic method which uses column switching for the quantitive determination of individual organic oxygenate compounds between the range 0,17 % (m/m) and 15 % (m/m) and total organically bound oxygen up 3,7 % (m/m) in unleaded petrol having a final boiling point not exceeding 220 degrees C. Applies to the determination of oxygen-containing compounds and total organically bound oxygen in unleaded petrol in accordance with the relevant EU Directives.