Nationwide tests clear E20 petrol of contamination fears, OMCs say

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have rejected concerns over alleged contamination in E20 petrol, saying intensive nationwide testing has found fuel quality consistently within prescribed specifications.

The assurance follows recent media reports alleging the presence of excessive chloride and moisture in ethanol-blended petrol. OMCs said additional scientifically designed random tests across the entire supply chain found no cause for alarm.

More than 100 petrol samples collected from refineries showed chloride levels at or below 1 ppm, underscoring the effectiveness of quality checks during refining and dispatch. Ethanol, the key blending component, also met standards. A joint task force of OMCs and the Centre for High Technology tested samples from 80 distilleries over the past 10 days, with every sample recording chloride below 3 ppm.

Testing at depots and terminals produced similar results. More than 80 samples collected nationwide from OMC facilities had chloride levels below 3 ppm.

At retail outlets, more than 1,000 samples have been taken under an intensified surveillance programme. Of the 160 test reports analysed so far, chloride levels ranged from 0 to 3 ppm, contradicting claims of levels running into several hundred ppm. Four isolated outlets showed elevated chloride levels and were immediately suspended for investigation and corrective action.

OMCs have also stepped up checks for water contamination. Around 90,000 retail outlets have begun mandatory inspections of underground storage tanks, with water-ingress and density checks being conducted 8-12 times daily. No water ingress has been detected so far, according to the ministry.

The government has prescribed stringent chloride limits for ethanol used in petrol blending, with monitoring conducted at refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals and retail outlets.

Mobile fuel-testing laboratories and independent laboratory validation have further strengthened quality assurance.

OMCs said fuel quality remains their highest priority and any deviation will trigger prompt corrective measures. Consumers have been advised to continue using E20 petrol with confidence, as supplies through the OMC network conform to prescribed quality standards and are backed by robust monitoring systems.