- Intensive nationwide testing across refineries, distilleries, depots and retail outlets debunks claims of excessive chloride and moisture in E20 petrol
- Chloride levels found consistently within prescribed limits, with most samples recording just 0–3 ppm against misleading claims of 500 ppm
- Oil Marketing Companies strengthen surveillance with 8–12 daily tank inspections, mobile fuel laboratories and independent validation
- Only four isolated deviations detected among more than 1,000 retail outlet samples; prompt corrective measures taken before fuel supply resumed
- Consumers urged to continue using E20 petrol with confidence as India’s robust quality assurance system safeguards fuel at every stage
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUG. 7
With concerns over the quality of E20 (20% ethanol blended) petrol gaining traction in recent weeks, India’s Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have moved swiftly to reassure millions of motorists through an unprecedented nationwide scientific testing exercise. The extensive surveillance has concluded that claims of excessive chloride content and moisture contamination in E20 petrol are not supported by evidence, reaffirming that fuel supplied across the OMC network continues to meet stringent national quality standards.
Responding to recent media reports alleging the presence of moisture and chloride in Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit (EBMS), the OMCs undertook an additional intensive testing programme covering the entire supply chain—from refineries and ethanol distilleries to depots, tank trucks and retail outlets.
The comprehensive exercise concluded that fuel quality remains consistently well within prescribed specifications, with no scientific basis to support reports claiming chloride levels of around 500 ppm.
“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 account of fuel contamination.”
Reiterating their commitment to customer confidence, the OMCs said fuel quality remains their foremost priority.
“We treat fuel quality as a matter of highest priority and any issue that could potentially affect vehicle performance or consumer confidence is addressed promptly through scientific investigation and corrective action.”
The companies noted that the Government of India has prescribed stringent chloride specifications for ethanol used in petrol blending and has established a rigorous monitoring mechanism spanning the entire supply chain.
According to the OMCs, chloride monitoring is conducted at multiple stages, including refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals and retail outlets, ensuring that quality standards are maintained from production to dispensing.
To further strengthen consumer protection, OMCs have significantly intensified surveillance measures. These include water-ingress and density tests conducted 8 to 12 times daily at nearly 90,000 retail outlets, deployment of mobile fuel quality testing laboratories, and independent laboratory validation of test results.
Scientific Findings Across the Supply Chain
Refineries:
More than 100 randomly selected petrol samples tested across refineries recorded chloride levels at or below 1 ppm, demonstrating robust refining and dispatch quality controls.
Distilleries:
A dedicated task force comprising representatives of OMCs and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) tested ethanol samples from 80 distilleries over the past ten days.
All samples recorded chloride content below 3 ppm, well within the prescribed specification.
Depots, Terminals and Tank Trucks:
More than 80 E20 fuel samples collected from OMC depots and terminals nationwide also recorded chloride levels below 3 ppm, confirming that product quality remains intact throughout storage and transportation.
Retail Outlets:
As part of the intensified surveillance programme involving over 1,000 samples, around 160 laboratory reports have so far been analysed.
The chloride content was found to range between 0 and 3 ppm, effectively disproving allegations of chloride concentrations running into several hundred parts per million.
Only four isolated instances of elevated chloride levels were detected during the nationwide exercise.
According to the OMCs, supplies from these outlets were immediately suspended, followed by detailed root-cause analysis and corrective action before fuel sales were restored.
No Water Ingress Detected
The OMCs also reported that inspections of underground storage tanks at nearly 90,000 retail outlets, carried out 8 to 12 times every day, have not detected any water ingress, further reinforcing the integrity of the fuel distribution system.
The detailed results of the nationwide testing programme have been made available by the Centre for High Technology (CHT) and will continue to be updated as additional reports are received.
Emphasising that quality surveillance remains a continuous process, the OMCs said any deviation identified anywhere in the supply chain is addressed immediately through scientific investigation and corrective action.
“Consumers should continue to use E20 petrol with confidence, as the fuel supplied through the OMC network conforms to the prescribed quality specifications and is backed by robust quality assurance and monitoring systems designed to safeguard consumer interests at every stage of the supply chain.”
The latest findings are expected to reinforce public confidence in E20 petrol, a key component of India’s clean energy transition strategy aimed at reducing crude oil imports, lowering vehicular emissions and promoting the use of domestically produced biofuels.
