E20 Petrol Faces Controversy Over Contaminants, Sparks Concern Among Automakers New Delhi: Leading automobile manufacturers in India, including Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and Mahindra, have raised concerns about the quality of E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol. The issue centers on the presence of high levels of chloride and moisture in the fuel, which could potentially damage vehicle components. These concerns were highlighted in internal emails shared with international news agency Reuters, which reported that the companies warned of potential risks to vehicle performance and safety. According to the emails, samples collected from 21 states across India revealed elevated levels of chloride and moisture in E20 petrol. The manufacturers argued that excessive chloride could corrode vehicle parts, while high moisture content might lead to premature wear and tear, compromising engine efficiency. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) initially raised similar concerns, citing the need for further scientific analysis. However, SIAM later retracted its claims, stating that the initial findings were based on limited internal testing and lacked sufficient data for conclusive results. The central petroleum ministry has dismissed the allegations, asserting that there is no evidence of widespread contamination in E20 fuel. The ministry pointed to routine checks conducted by oil marketing companies, which have not identified significant issues. It also noted that only a few isolated incidents have been reported, emphasizing that the fuel blend meets safety standards. The push for E20 petrol is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil. Launched in 2025, the initiative aims to cut emissions and promote sustainable energy.#tata_motors #maruti_suzuki #mahindra #society_of_indian_automobile_manufacturers #central_petroleum_ministry
