SIAM Withdraws Communication on E20 Petrol Contamination

07 Aug 2026 CW Team

The clarification followed media reports that SIAM had raised concerns with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas over contamination in E20 petrol, citing higher chloride and moisture levels and an increase in replacement of fuel system and exhaust components. One media account set out a chloride reading of up to 500 mg/kg in certain fuel samples and linked the level to corrosion and component wear, prompting industry queries. SIAM said such figures needed elaborate regional data collection and consultation with member original equipment manufacturers before being accepted.

SIAM characterised the communication as part of routine technical deliberations among stakeholders, including oil marketing companies, original equipment manufacturers and testing agencies, and said that information had been shared in that context. The industry body highlighted an existing three ppm guideline for chloride and sulphur in ethanol blended into petrol and noted that oil marketing companies had strengthened quality checks across the supply chain. It reiterated support for the government's E20 initiative and sought to reassure consumers and stakeholders about ongoing safeguards.

The Petroleum Ministry emphasised that fuel quality is monitored regularly by state-run oil marketing companies and that testing protocols had been enhanced following the reports. A business channel article that earlier carried detailed claims was removed after publication and SIAM indicated that comprehensive verification was required before drawing any conclusions. Stakeholders will continue technical consultations to resolve discrepancies and to ensure that the rollout of E20 proceeds without quality concerns.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has withdrawn a communication to the government after acknowledging that the figures cited in the note were not authenticated. The industry body said parts of the communication had been selectively quoted in media coverage and that some numbers required further verification. The withdrawal was described as a corrective step to prevent the dissemination of unverified technical data. The clarification followed media reports that SIAM had raised concerns with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas over contamination in E20 petrol, citing higher chloride and moisture levels and an increase in replacement of fuel system and exhaust components. One media account set out a chloride reading of up to 500 mg/kg in certain fuel samples and linked the level to corrosion and component wear, prompting industry queries. SIAM said such figures needed elaborate regional data collection and consultation with member original equipment manufacturers before being accepted. SIAM characterised the communication as part of routine technical deliberations among stakeholders, including oil marketing companies, original equipment manufacturers and testing agencies, and said that information had been shared in that context. The industry body highlighted an existing three ppm guideline for chloride and sulphur in ethanol blended into petrol and noted that oil marketing companies had strengthened quality checks across the supply chain. It reiterated support for the government's E20 initiative and sought to reassure consumers and stakeholders about ongoing safeguards. The Petroleum Ministry emphasised that fuel quality is monitored regularly by state-run oil marketing companies and that testing protocols had been enhanced following the reports. A business channel article that earlier carried detailed claims was removed after publication and SIAM indicated that comprehensive verification was required before drawing any conclusions. Stakeholders will continue technical consultations to resolve discrepancies and to ensure that the rollout of E20 proceeds without quality concerns.

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