E20 fuel safe: OMCs reject contamination claims, point to extensive tests
State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) on Friday refuted allegations that E20 petrol — a blend containing 20% ethanol — is contaminated with chloride or excess moisture. In a joint statement, IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum said that intensive testing at multiple points in the supply chain confirmed that quality standards are being met.
The clarification follows a communication from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to the oil ministry earlier this month, raising concerns about possible excess chloride in E20 fuel leading to wear in vehicle parts. SIAM later withdrew the letter, saying the data it had cited required further authentication.
The OMCs said they had conducted monitoring at refineries, distilleries, depots and retail outlets across the country. They reported that tests on 100 random petrol samples from various refineries showed chloride content at or below 1 part per million (ppm), well within prescribed limits. Similarly, 80 samples of ethanol and E20 taken from OMC terminals across the country had chloride levels below 3 ppm, the statement said.
Ethanol supplied by distilleries was also inspected. A dedicated task force comprising OMC representatives and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) checked samples from 80 distilleries over the last 10 days, and all samples had chloride content below 3 ppm, the OMCs said.
On the issue of excess moisture, the OMCs said mandatory inspection of underground storage tanks at approximately 90,000 retail outlets has commenced. Tanks are being checked 8–12 times daily, and no water ingress has been found so far, they added.
“Contrary to certain assertions being made, based on extensive random testing through scientifically designed tests, the evidence shows that there is no cause for any alarm on fuel contamination,” the joint statement said.
The assurance comes as India pushes ahead with its ethanol blending programme, aiming to reduce crude oil imports and cut vehicular emissions. E20 fuel is being gradually introduced across the country, and the government has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending nationwide by April 2026 — a milestone that was recently reached.
The OMCs emphasised that quality is “consistently maintained throughout the supply chain” and that the tests were conducted by accredited laboratories following standard protocols.
Automakers and consumers have been watching the issue closely. While SIAM’s initial concern was withdrawn, the OMCs’ data provides further clarity. The companies have said they will continue to monitor fuel quality and maintain transparency with stakeholders.
