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The long-standing controversy over the quality of E-20 (E20 Petrol – 20% ethanol blended petrol) fuel that has been troubling motorists and petrol pumps across the country has finally come to an end. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with the three major public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) – Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), have made public their final decision after a thorough nationwide investigation.

Extensive testing conducted at approximately 90,000 retail fuel outlets (petrol pumps) across the country has revealed that E-20 petrol fully meets all prescribed quality standards. The government and oil companies have categorically rejected claims of moisture ingress and excessive chloride content made on social media and in some reports. Oil companies have clarified that E-20 fuel is 100% safe for vehicles across the country and consumers can use it without hesitation.

Why was the nationwide investigation launched? Find out what the adulteration claims were.

For some time now, claims have been circulating on social media and by some consumer associations that the high ethanol content of E-20 gasoline is causing moisture and water to accumulate in underground tanks. Rumors have also circulated that chloride levels in E-20 fuel have reached several hundred ppm, causing corrosion of vehicle engines, fuel pipes, and spark plugs, leading to significant reductions in fuel mileage.

Taking cognizance of these rumors and consumer complaints, the Petroleum Ministry and state-owned oil companies took immediate action. At the direction of Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, a special crack team was formed and orders were issued to scientifically investigate the entire supply chain, from distilleries, refineries, depots, terminals, and petrol pumps across the country.

From lab tests to underground tanks: This is how E20 fuel is tested

According to an official statement issued by the oil companies, a multi-stage testing system was implemented to verify the purity of E-20 petrol. The following stringent measures were taken as part of this nationwide testing campaign:

• Regular inspection of underground tanks: Underground fuel storage tanks located at around 90,000 petrol pumps across the country are being mandatorily inspected 8 to 12 times daily to detect any leakage or water stagnation.
• Distillery Test: Samples taken from more than 80 ethanol distilleries across the country were tested, in which the chloride content was found to be less than 3 ppm (Parts Per Million).
• Sampling at refinery level: More than 100 petrol samples collected from refineries showed chloride levels of only 1 ppm or below.
• Directly from petrol pumps, samples were tested: Random samples of over 160 E-20 petrol were collected from retail outlets across the country. Test reports revealed chloride levels between 0 and 3 ppm, which is in stark contrast to misleading claims of several hundred ppm.
• Mobile Quality Testing Lab: Mobile Fuel Quality Testing Labs were also deployed to ensure transparency in testing.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s statement: “It was a conspiracy to create controversy”

During an event, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri took a strong stance on the ongoing confusion surrounding E-20 fuel. He said that 60 to 70 million customers fill fuel daily at the country’s 107,000 petrol pumps. It is completely unfair to question the entire ethanol blending program and create unnecessary controversy by considering extremely rare exceptions in such a vast network.

The Petroleum Minister stated that the Ministry had initiated a thorough investigation as a precaution two weeks before receiving the complaint. Special teams formed to inspect petrol pumps across the country found only four minor technical errors, which were promptly rectified. He clarified that India has achieved the 20% ethanol blending target five years ahead of schedule, saving billions of rupees in foreign exchange reserves and increasing farmers’ incomes.

Does E20 petrol damage the engines of older vehicles? The government clarified in Parliament.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries, in a written reply filed in Parliament, clarified that extensive lab tests and field trials have been conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Oil (IOC) and the country’s leading car manufacturers before introducing E-20 fuel on Indian roads.

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest car manufacturer, analyzed real-world data from over 28.4 million vehicles that came to its workshops for service during the fiscal year. This included over 15 million used vehicles. Both Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar have officially confirmed that no abnormal engine wear, corrosion, or component failures have been reported due to the use of E-20 petrol.

The government also reiterated that all BS-VI Phase-2 vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are fully E-20 compliant, and automobile companies are fully honouring the warranty obligations of vehicles running on E-20 fuel.

What is the impact of E-20 on automobile warranty and mileage?

The biggest concerns among consumers have been vehicle mileage and warranty coverage. The government and automobile experts have clarified the technical situation:

• Minor Mileage Difference: Using E-20 gasoline in older vehicles (made before April 2023) can result in a slight difference of just 3% to 5% in mileage. However, ethanol’s higher octane rating provides better engine pickup, faster combustion, and smoother acceleration.
• Acts as an engine cleaner: Ethanol is a clean fuel that prevents carbon build-up inside the engine, thereby increasing engine life and significantly reducing pollution.
• No warranty breach: Indian car manufacturers have clarified that using standard E-20 petrol will not void the warranty of any vehicle.

The way forward for consumers: Oil companies issue a letter of assurance

Following the test results, Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL issued a joint statement reassuring millions of motorists across the country. The OMCs stated that the quality of E-20 petrol is being monitored through a real-time system from the refinery to the pump nozzle. All detailed test data and reports have been made publicly available on the official website of the Center for High Technology (CHT).

If a customer has doubts about the quality of fuel at a particular petrol pump, he can directly ask for a Water Indicator Paste test and Density Test at the pump, which is done free of cost by skilled staff at every petrol pump. After extensive testing at 90,000 petrol pumps, E-20 petrol has been found to be completely clean, safe and compliant with the standards. This final decision of the government has brought great relief to crores of motorists in the country.