SIAM Withdraws Letter Flagging Concerns Over Contamination of E20 Fuel

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has withdrawn its letter to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which had previously raised concerns over the quality of E20 petrol supplied to vehicles. SIAM stated that the statistics and observations highlighted in recent media reports require broader validation. The industry body clarified that a final conclusion can only be reached after collecting more comprehensive data from various regions across the country and consulting further with automobile companies.

SIAM emphasized that the initial concerns raised were simply part of routine, ongoing technical discussions among the auto industry, oil marketing companies (OMCs), vehicle manufacturers, and testing agencies. In its earlier communication to the government, SIAM had pointed out potential issues such as the rusting of engine parts due to high chloride levels and fuel phase separation caused by excessive moisture in E20 petrol. However, the organization now maintains that these specific details need further verification before any definitive claims can be made.

Highlighting the existing safety measures, SIAM noted that the government is already implementing strict guidelines regarding chloride and sulfur limits for the ethanol used in blending. Furthermore, oil marketing companies are continuously inspecting and maintaining underground storage tanks and pipelines at petrol pumps nationwide to ensure fuel quality. Reassuring the public, SIAM stated that consumers do not need to worry about this issue and reaffirmed the auto industry’s complete support for the government’s E20 fuel program, which aims to boost national energy security and reduce reliance on imported crude oil.