Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reaffirmed that E20 petrol remains well within prescribed quality limits, countering recent media reports alleging moisture and chloride contamination.
According to a statement from PIB Delhi, OMCs conducted nationwide intensive testing across the entire ethanol‑blended motor spirit (EBMS) supply chain. The results showed no cause for alarm, with chloride levels consistently below 3 ppm and moisture presence unvalidated.
The Government of India has instituted stringent chloride specifications for ethanol used in blending and a high‑frequency monitoring mechanism covering refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals, and retail outlets.
OMCs have further strengthened surveillance by conducting water‑ingress and density tests 8–12 times daily at retail outlets and deploying mobile fuel‑testing laboratories for independent validation.
Key findings include:
- Refineries: Chloride levels in petrol remain at or below 1 ppm.
- Distilleries: Ethanol samples from 80 distilleries recorded chloride below 3 ppm.
- Depots and Terminals: Over 80 samples showed chloride below 3 ppm.
- Retail Outlets: Out of 1,000 samples tested, 160 reports confirmed chloride between 0–3 ppm; only four isolated cases showed elevated levels, which were promptly addressed.
Additionally, 90,000 retail outlets have begun mandatory inspection of underground tanks, with no water ingress detected so far.
The comprehensive testing validates India’s highest fuel‑quality standards, ensuring consumer confidence and vehicle safety across the country.
