SIAM withdrawal keeps E20 fuel-quality controls in focus for India’s 87,000 petrol outlets

SIAM has withdrawn a letter raising possible chloride and moisture risks in E20 petrol while reaffirming support for the rollout. The episode spotlights storage, water-ingress testing and contamination controls for oil marketers and fuel retailers as ethanol-blended petrol scales nationwide.

— Source publishedWed, 5 Aug, 2026, 14:16 IST·First seen Wed, 5 Aug, 2026, 14:34 IST·Source Hindustan Times · Business

What happened

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) · SIAM withdrew a letter flagging possible chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol, while

Key facts

  • E20: 20% ethanol blend
  • 3 ppm chloride and sulphur precautionary guideline
  • 8 ppm US chloride standard for ethanol
  • More than 150 fuel-quality parameters
  • Water-ingress tests 8-12 times daily
  • Over 87,000 fuel outlets

Why this matters

Target partnerships or acquisitions in fuel-quality monitoring, tank testing and contamination-control services as E20 expands across India’s 87,000 petrol outlets.