Fuelling more debate

SIAM pulled a letter written to petroleum & natural gas ministry, in which the auto industry body had reportedly flagged contamination in the ethanol supply chain for E20 petrol. The letter, per reports, was written after investigation of cases of corrosive damage in fuel system and exhaust components of vehicles using E20 fuel – an issue linked to chloride-contaminated ethanol, and exposure to moisture.

The letter also reported cases of vehicles stalling soon after refuelling, likely because moisture caused the ethanol and petrol to separate. The withdrawal of SIAM’s letter, coming on top of GOI’s less-than-convincing efforts to address motorists’ and industry’s concerns about E20’s rollout, heightens public concern over using the blended fuel. To the issues of – 1) drop in mileage, 2) quandary of motorists owning older vehicles, and 3) govt claims and their counters – add another. If ethanol is contaminated, the risk of damage to cars, even those manufactured after 2023, making them “E20-compliant”, grows manifold. Earlier, petrol pump dealers had asked GOI for better testing equipment and clear guidelines, saying they lack the tools to properly check E20 fuel quality. Question is, who is listening?

Ministry’s constant thrum has been to say concerns are overblown. GOI claims E20 is efficient, but motorists care about cost per km, not just price per litre. When mileage falls, savings at the pump are offset. Govt claimed no compatibility issues, but as is evident, “can run” and “designed for” are different standards. On July 30, GOI assured Parliament that transition to E20 was “undertaken after successful validation of fuel systems, engine durability, drivability, material compatibility…” It makes sense, therefore, to make this extensive data public. What seems clear is this: many motorists’ on-road experience is at variance with GOI’s claims. Lack of transparency only expands the room for continued debate.