SIAM raises concerns over E20 petrol. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has withdrawn its concerns over the high levels of chloride and moisture in petrol. SIAM had written to the Petroleum Ministry alleging that E20 fuel was causing damage to vehicle parts. However, the company has now withdrawn the letter and issued a clarification.
SIAM had found from its initial investigation that due to the high levels of chloride and moisture in the fuel, various parts of the vehicle were rusting and were getting damaged quickly. Due to the increased chloride content, important parts like fuel pump, fuel injectors and easy valves were at risk of getting damaged very soon. It was feared that consumers would misunderstand E20 fuel and government policies if the quality of the fuel was poor.
Following SIAM’s concerns, the central government and anti-oil companies have taken major steps. As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has tightened the rules on the maximum chloride and sulphur content of ethanol blended in petrol to 3 ppm. Water content or moisture is being checked 8 to 12 times a day at more than 87,000 petrol pumps in the country. The fuel checking process at the pumps has been intensified, especially after rains.
SIAM issued a statement saying that the facts and figures in the letter sent on July 28 need to be further verified from different parts of the country. It is not appropriate to reach any final decision on this issue until extensive consultations with the automobile manufacturers (OEMs) and more data is collected. In view of this, SIAM has formally withdrawn its earlier letter. The organization also clarified that the automobile industry fully supports the government’s E20 fuel program for the country’s energy security.
