Fuel quality row: Centre says only two contamination cases, checks intensified at 87,000 outlets

The petroleum ministry on Tuesday dismissed reports of widespread fuel quality issues at retail outlets, saying oil marketing companies (OMCs) have introduced additional checks to detect contamination and adulteration. In a post on X, the ministry said fuel quality is being monitored regularly and only two cases of chloride contamination have been detected in the entire country so far. The clarification comes after media reports raised concerns about the quality of fuel dispensed at some petrol pumps.

The ministry explained that testing protocols have been further strengthened, with water ingress checks now being conducted 8-12 times a day at over 87,000 outlets. More than 2,000 samples have also been tested for chloride and sulphide. The two instances of chloride contamination that were found led to the immediate suspension of sales at the affected pumps, it said. These checks are in addition to the advanced and elaborate testing protocols already in place, the ministry said. Chlorides in fuel can cause corrosion in engine components and adversely affect vehicle performance.

Water ingress testing is important because water in fuel tanks can lead to microbial contamination, which may clog filters and cause engine damage. The ministry asserted that the existing testing protocols were already advanced and elaborate, and the additional checks are meant to further tighten the monitoring system. OMCs have been instructed to take proactive steps to detect any possible contamination across the fuel supply chain, and strict action will be taken if any retail outlet is found to be selling adulterated or contaminated fuel.

The ministry also used a series of infographics on X to illustrate the quality control measures in place. The visuals were meant to give consumers a clearer picture of the checks involved at various stages of the fuel supply chain.

The ministry’s response also covered ethanol quality. It said 302 tankers carrying 10,500 kilolitres of ethanol were rejected between July 2024 and June 2026 for failing to meet quality standards. Ethanol used for blending must comply with BIS IS 15464, have a minimum purity of 99.6%, and be accompanied by a certified quality report. The ministry added that ethanol is stored in dedicated facilities to prevent contamination, and every tanker is sampled from the top and bottom before being accepted. The rejection of 302 tankers highlights the stringent vetting process for ethanol, which is a key component of the government's blending programme.

In a related development, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi informed Parliament on Monday that the government has approved Rs 4,687 crore as interest subsidy for eligible ethanol projects under its support schemes. The schemes provide an interest subvention of 6% or 50% of the interest rate charged by lenders, whichever is lower, for five years on loans taken for setting up new distilleries or expanding existing ethanol production capacity.

The government’s clarification comes against the backdrop of reports questioning fuel quality at some petrol pumps. With the additional checks in place, the ministry reiterated that there is “zero compromise” on quality benchmarks and that consumers can be assured of the fuel’s integrity. The oil companies have been told to maintain vigilance, and any deviation from standards will be dealt with strictly, it said.