State Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) reported on Friday that additional testing of E20 gasoline across the country found no basis for claims of high moisture or chloride contamination, with fuel quality remaining within established norms throughout the supply chain.
These enhanced checks were conducted following recent media reports raising suspicions about the presence of moisture and chloride in E20 gasoline (gasoline with 20 percent ethanol additive).
In a joint statement by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), it was emphasized that this inspection covered the entire supply chain, confirming that fuel quality 'consistently remains within prescribed limits.'
The companies stated that, contrary to some assertions, extensive and scientifically developed tests revealed no signs of concern related to fuel contamination.
The three OMCs noted that the government has set strict specifications for chloride content in ethanol used when blending with gasoline and has implemented frequent monitoring at refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals, and retail outlets to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, the companies reported strengthening quality control by conducting water ingress and density tests 8–12 times a day at each retail outlet, utilizing mobile laboratories for fuel quality testing, and having results independently verified in fuel laboratories.
According to OMC data, over 100 gasoline samples collected at refineries showed a chloride level of 1 part per million (ppm) or lower, while ethanol samples from 80 distilleries tested over the last 10 days had chloride content below 3 ppm. More than 80 samples taken from depots and terminals nationwide also demonstrated chloride content below 3 ppm.
At retail outlets, over 160 E20 samples tested in recent days showed a chloride level in the range of 0–3 ppm, contradicting claims of hundreds of ppm. Monitoring identified two isolated instances of elevated chloride levels, where supplies were immediately suspended pending root cause analysis and corrective action before resumption.
The companies also reported that approximately 90,000 retail outlets have begun mandatory inspections of underground storage tanks, conducting checks 8–12 times daily. To date, no water ingress has been detected.
Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, speaking at a CII event on Friday, dismissed concerns regarding E20 fuel quality, stating that attempts are being made to 'create some controversy' around the country's ethanol blending program.
Puri clarified that the ministry began enhanced testing approximately two weeks before receiving a letter dated July 28 expressing concern over fuel quality, adding that special teams conducted thorough checks at fuel sales points.
The Minister remarked: 'They formed special groups... What did they find? They found four cases out of 107,000 petrol pumps... So it is obvious that someone is trying to take things out of context.'
He added that in India, about 107,000 retail fuel outlets serve approximately 6–7 crore consumers daily, and that contamination, if it occurs, could affect any product, and isolated cases should not be viewed as proof of a systemic problem.
The OMCs reported that summary test results are available on the Central High Technology (CHT) website and will be updated as new data arrives. The companies concluded that 'consumers can continue to use E20 gasoline with confidence, as the fuel supplied through the OMC network meets prescribed technical quality specifications and is backed by robust quality assurance and monitoring systems designed to protect consumer interests at every stage of the supply chain.'
