SIAM withdraws E20 fuel quality letter after chloride and sulphur concerns

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has reportedly withdrawn its letter to the petroleum ministry that raised concerns over possible contamination issues in E20 fuel after reports of vehicle component failures linked to high chloride levels.Earlier, SIAM had flagged concerns over the presence of high chloride content and moisture in fuel, stating that it had resulted in a significant rise in replacement and repair cases involving components such as fuel pumps, fuel injectors and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves.The industry body had said investigations into failed vehicle parts indicated corrosion and wear caused by high chloride levels traced to fuel quality. AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal Leads March To PM Modi's Residence Against E20 Fuel - VIDEOIt had urged the government to include chloride limits in E20 fuel specifications and strengthen monitoring mechanisms at oil marketing companies and retail fuel outlets.According to SIAM, chloride accumulation in fuel systems can lead to corrosion, potentially causing permanent damage to engine components over time. The organisation had recommended stricter quality control measures to prevent such failures and avoid negative consumer perception about E20 petrol.However, SIAM later clarified that the concerns raised in the letter were based on preliminary investigations and that some data mentioned required further verification through detailed collection from different regions and consultations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The industry body said it had withdrawn the communication sent on July 28 and acknowledged that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has already introduced precautionary measures. These include a 3 parts per million (ppm) limit for chloride and sulphur levels in ethanol being blended into petrol supplies.SIAM also said oil marketing companies have implemented additional checks to monitor fuel quality. According to the organisation, checks including water ingress testing are being carried out multiple times daily across more than 87,000 fuel outlets.

New Delhi: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (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.In an official statement, SIAM has clarified the matter and placed it "in its correct context for the benefit of the public and all stakeholders."According to the press release from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), fuel quality testing under the prevailing regulatory framework is a rigorous and comprehensive process, covering more than 150 parameters and is undertaken by OMCs.SIAM said that its 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 release said."Some numbers quoted in the communication need authentication through collection of elaborate data from various regions across the country followed by a comprehensive consultation with our member OEMs," the official statement read.The release further stated that 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", the release said.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.According to the press release, there is no cause for concern arising from the matter reported, as these issues have been routinely addressed over the past several decades between the Auto Industry and OMCs.The referred numbers reported in the media need authentication as mentioned above, and therefore SIAM is withdrawing its earlier communication.SIAM requests the media and other stakeholders to consider the above aspects in any further reporting on this subject, the release stated.