Oil marketing companies (OMC) have rejected claims regarding elevated levels of chloride and moisture in E20 gasoline. The companies stated that extensive nationwide checks have not confirmed any such allegations, emphasizing that the quality of E20 meets established standards and consumers should not be concerned.
Following reports of 500 ppm of chloride and moisture content in E20 gasoline, OMC conducted additional checks across the entire supply chain. Samples were taken from oil refineries, alcohol distilleries, warehouses, tanker trucks, and gas stations.
According to the companies, the government has set strict limits for chloride in ethanol added to gasoline and maintains constant monitoring of this parameter. Furthermore, daily checks for water contamination and fuel quality are performed at all retail points 8 to 12 times. Mobile laboratories have also been deployed to test fuel in various locations, and inspection reports are verified by accredited laboratories.
OMC reported that in over 100 gasoline samples taken at oil refineries nationwide, the chloride content was 1 ppm or less. Moreover, in all samples collected over the last 10 days from 80 alcohol distilleries, chloride levels were below 3 ppm, which is within established norms. In samples taken from warehouses and tanker terminal sites, chloride content was also below 3 ppm.
Out of more than 1000 samples collected at gas stations across the country, 160 reports were analyzed, showing chloride levels ranging from 0 to 3 ppm.
During the inspections, an elevated level of chloride was found in only four locations. OMC immediately suspended fuel supply at these points, investigated the causes, and resumed deliveries only after necessary corrections were made. The companies also noted that underground tanks at approximately 90,000 gas stations nationwide are regularly inspected, and no instances of water or moisture have been confirmed so far.
OMC assured that E20 gasoline fully complies with all established quality standards, and consumers can use it without worry. According to company information, detailed inspection results are available on the website of the Center for High Technology (CHT) and will be updated as new reports arrive.
