E20 Petrol Safe, Say IOC, BPCL & HPCL After Nationwide Testing

India's leading public sector oil marketing companies have rejected allegations of excessive chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol, stating that extensive nationwide testing has confirmed the fuel remains safe and fully compliant with government quality standards.

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) said comprehensive testing was conducted across the entire ethanol-blended petrol supply chain, including refineries, ethanol distilleries, depots, terminals, and retail outlets. According to the companies, the findings show no widespread contamination, assuring consumers there is "no cause for alarm."

Oil Companies Reject E20 Contamination Allegations

The clarification comes after reports raised concerns about elevated chloride content and moisture contamination in Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit (EBMS), commonly known as E20 petrol.

The oil companies stated that India follows strict government-prescribed chloride limits for ethanol used in fuel blending. To ensure compliance, a multi-level quality monitoring system has been implemented across production, transportation, storage, and fuel dispensing points.

Officials said surveillance has been further intensified, with retail outlets carrying out water-ingress and density tests between eight and twelve times every day. Mobile fuel testing laboratories have also been deployed across multiple regions, while independent accredited laboratories continue validating fuel quality samples.

Refinery Tests Confirm Fuel Quality

According to IOC, BPCL and HPCL, over 100 randomly selected petrol samples collected from refineries across India recorded chloride levels of one part per million (ppm) or lower.

The companies said these results demonstrate that fuel leaving Indian refineries consistently complies with prescribed specifications before being dispatched for distribution.

Ethanol Samples From 80 Distilleries Pass Quality Checks

A special task force consisting of officials from the three oil companies and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) examined ethanol samples from 80 distilleries during the past ten days.

Every sample recorded chloride levels below 3 ppm, well within permissible limits, reinforcing confidence in the quality control mechanisms adopted during ethanol production.

Depots And Distribution Network Meet Standards

Testing was also conducted at fuel depots and tank truck terminals nationwide.

More than 80 ethanol and E20 petrol samples collected from storage and distribution facilities recorded chloride levels below 3 ppm, indicating that fuel quality remains consistent throughout transportation and storage.

Retail Outlet Testing Finds Only Four Isolated Cases

The companies said an intensified monitoring programme has already collected over 1,000 samples from fuel stations across India.

Among the 160 laboratory reports analysed so far, chloride levels ranged between 0 and 3 ppm, contradicting allegations that E20 petrol contained several hundred ppm of chloride.

Officials acknowledged that four isolated cases of elevated chloride levels were detected during the exercise. However, fuel supplies at those locations were immediately suspended, corrective measures were implemented, and operations resumed only after quality standards were restored.

No Evidence Of Water Contamination

Responding to concerns regarding moisture contamination, IOC, BPCL and HPCL said approximately 90,000 retail fuel stations have begun mandatory inspections of underground storage tanks.

These tanks are being checked between eight and twelve times daily, and the companies said no evidence of water ingress has been found during the inspection process.

Government Continues To Push E20 Fuel Adoption

The clarification comes as India continues expanding the use of ethanol-blended fuels to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions and strengthen energy security.

Oil marketing companies reiterated that multiple quality assurance mechanisms remain active across the supply chain and assured consumers that E20 petrol available at fuel stations meets prescribed specifications.