SIAM has taken note of certain media reports that have cited excerpts from a SIAM communication, with specific and selective focus on chloride and sulphur content in fuel
| Photo Credit:
Venkatesan R 5375
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) late Tuesday evening withdrew its letter written to the government which flagged concerns over contamination of E20 fuel.The industry body had flagged issues with vehicular parts experiencing corrosion (wear and tear) on account of chloride and sulphur content in E20 fuel adding that further authentication is required.SIAM has taken note of certain media reports that have cited excerpts from a SIAM communication, with specific and selective focus on chloride and sulphur content in fuel.“Fuel quality testing under the prevailing regulatory framework is a rigorous and comprehensive process, covering more than 150 parameters and is undertaken by OMCs (oil marketing companies). SIAM’s communication in question was part of routine and ongoing technical deliberations that take place between various stakeholders, including industry bodies, oil marketing companies, auto OEMs and testing agencies,” the auto industry body emphasised.Some numbers quoted in the communication needs authentication through collection of elaborate data from various regions across the country followed by a comprehensive consultation with our member OEMs, it added.The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) also issued a statement on X regarding the issue.Certain media reports have cited issues of fuel adulteration or contamination. It is hereby clarified that fuel quality is monitored on a regular basis by oil marketing companies (OMCs), it said on X on Tuesday.“In addition to the advanced and elaborate testing protocols already in place, further checks have been instituted including water ingress testing 8-12 times a day in over 87,000 outlets. Over 2,000 samples have also been tested for chloride/sulphide. Only 2 cases of chloride contamination have been found in the entire country till now and sales from those pumps were suspended immediately,” it pointed out.The Ministry warned that strict action will be taken in case any contamination or adulteration is found in any retail outlet. OMCs have also instructed to take proactive steps to detect any possible contamination in the entire fuel supply chain.SIAM in its stamens said that the MoPNG has also instituted 3ppm guidelines for chloride/ sulphur as a precautionary measure for all ethanol being blended into the petrol supply chain.“All of these steps fully meet the needs of the automobile industry. Further, we understand from OMCs that checks have been instituted, including water ingress testing about 8-12 times a day in over 87,000 outlets & after each instance of rain near petrol pumps,” it noted.SIAM would like to reassure consumers and the general public that the automobile industry has always been fully supportive of this initiative of the Government of India on E20 which is important from an energy security perspective. There is no cause for concern arising from the matter reported as these issues have been routinely addressed over the past several decades between Auto Industry and OMCs.“The referred numbers reported in the media need authentication as mentioned above and therefore SIAM is withdrawing its earlier communication,” it said.Published on August 5, 2026
