Government Tightens Stance on E20 Petrol! Rules Set to Change Following Complaints of Vehicle Part Failures

New Delhi: The debate surrounding ethanol-blended E20 petrol continues in the country. Consumers have complained of reduced mileage and malfunctions in engine components after using this fuel. Taking these complaints into account, the government is preparing to take significant action. The government intends to enforce stricter standards not only regarding the quantity of ethanol in petrol but also concerning its quality.

Recently, vehicle manufacturers raised concerns about component failures following reports of excessive moisture and chloride levels (exceeding 3 PPM) in the petrol. Consequently, the government is considering formulating new regulations regarding the permissible limits for chloride and other contaminants in E20 petrol. This means that chloride and moisture levels in the petrol will no longer be allowed to exceed 3 PPM.

Rule May Become Mandatory
According to media reports, the government may make it mandatory for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and all other agencies within the automotive fuel supply chain to keep chloride levels in E20 petrol within the prescribed limits. Under current regulations, chloride contamination in E20 petrol is required to be below 3 parts per million (PPM). While this limit is currently part of voluntary quality standards, preparations are underway to make it mandatory.

Reports indicate that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the body responsible for setting fuel quality standards, is also working on this issue. An Economic Times report quoted a government official as saying, “The government wants to make the prescribed limits for various contaminants in fuel mandatory. This will help in better controlling the quality of E20 petrol and ensure the delivery of clean fuel to petrol pumps.”

Complaints Regarding Vehicle Part Malfunctions
This move comes at a time when vehicle manufacturers have raised concerns about the quality of E20 petrol. Auto companies had highlighted instances of high chloride levels and the presence of moisture in E20 petrol supplied in certain areas. Manufacturers state that such contaminated fuel can adversely affect specific vehicle components, potentially leading to an increase in component failures.

In some instances, petrol samples drawn from vehicle fuel tanks revealed chloride levels significantly exceeding the prescribed limits. This has further heightened concerns regarding the quality of E20 petrol. Consequently, the government is now focusing not only on the blending percentage of the petrol but also closely monitoring its quality and the presence of contaminants.