OMCs Dismiss Contamination Claims, Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards Nationwide
Extensive nationwide testing finds chloride levels well below prescribed limits and no evidence of moisture contamination in E20 petrol across the supply chain
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have rejected recent claims regarding excessive chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol, stating that an extensive nationwide testing programme has found fuel quality to be consistently within prescribed specifications.
Responding to media reports alleging chloride levels of up to 500 parts per million (ppm) and the presence of moisture in ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS/E20 Petrol), OMCs said the additional intensive testing covered the entire fuel supply chain—from refineries and distilleries to depots, tank trucks and retail outlets.
The companies said there was no scientific evidence to validate the allegations of fuel contamination and assured consumers that maintaining fuel quality remains their highest priority.
According to the OMCs, the Government of India has prescribed stringent chloride specifications for ethanol used in petrol blending and established a high-frequency monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain. Chloride levels are monitored at refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals and retail outlets across the country.
To further strengthen quality assurance, OMCs have enhanced surveillance measures by conducting water-ingress and density tests 8 to 12 times daily at every retail outlet. Mobile fuel quality testing laboratories have also been deployed, while samples are independently verified through accredited fuel laboratories.
Key Findings of the Nationwide Testing
Refinery Output:
More than 100 randomly selected petrol samples collected from various refineries showed chloride levels at or below 1 ppm, significantly below prescribed limits.
Ethanol from Distilleries:
A joint task force comprising representatives from OMCs and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) tested ethanol samples from 80 distilleries across the country over the past 10 days. All samples recorded chloride levels below 3 ppm.
Depots and Tank Trucks:
More than 80 E20 fuel samples collected from OMC terminals nationwide also reported chloride content below 3 ppm, confirming quality standards during storage and transportation.
Retail Outlets:
Over 160 fuel samples collected from retail outlets in recent days showed chloride levels ranging between 0 and 3 ppm, directly contradicting claims of chloride concentrations running into several hundred ppm.
OMCs said the intensified surveillance identified only two isolated instances of elevated chloride levels. Supplies at these locations were immediately suspended, followed by root-cause analysis and corrective action before fuel distribution resumed.
No Water Ingress Detected
The companies further stated that approximately 90,000 retail outlets have begun mandatory inspections of underground fuel storage tanks. These tanks are being checked 8 to 12 times daily, and no instances of water ingress have been detected so far.
OMCs added that detailed test results have been made available on the official website of the Centre for High Technology (CHT) and will be updated regularly as new data becomes available.
Reiterating their commitment to consumer safety, OMCs said fuel quality surveillance is carried out continuously across the supply chain and any deviation is addressed immediately through scientific investigation and corrective measures.
The companies urged consumers to continue using E20 petrol with confidence, stating that fuel supplied through the OMC network fully complies with prescribed quality specifications and is backed by robust monitoring systems designed to safeguard consumer interests.
