Contaminated Fuel: India’s Ethanol Gamble Backfires

The recent withdrawal of a complaint by India’s main auto lobby about fuel contamination has left more questions than answers about the safety of the country’s ethanol-blended petrol, E20. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) backed down after public outcry over their warning, citing “some numbers” that needed authentication.

Internal emails and industry data reviewed by Reuters reveal a worrying pattern of contamination concerns among top automakers Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra. The government’s rollout of E20 nationwide has been touted as a way to curb pollution and reduce oil imports, but the carmakers’ emails show they have privately worried about contaminants in E20, such as chloride and moisture, which they say are hurting vehicles.

The data compiled by industry executives is comprehensive – over 250 fuel samples were collected from pumps across 21 states and territories. The findings are alarming: high chloride contamination was detected in many of the samples in 18 states, with some levels exceeding permissible limits by up to 187 times. Moisture content was also high in several samples.

The reason for contamination is not known, but SIAM’s now-withdrawn letter suggests an increase in chloride levels since the rollout of E20. The government has responded quickly, with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri saying rigorous testing had found only four cases of contamination. However, this assertion is undermined by industry data and internal emails, which suggest a more widespread problem.

The controversy surrounding E20 highlights the risks of rushing into large-scale deployment without proper scientific study or public awareness campaigns. The government’s decision to withdraw E20 from select petrol pumps in some cities after motorists complained about reduced mileage and increased wear and tear on their cars is a tacit admission that something has gone wrong.

As India continues to grapple with the implications of its ethanol-blended petrol, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation into the contamination concerns raised by industry executives. The government must take concrete steps to address the underlying issues and restore public trust in the safety of E20.

Maruti’s senior executive Anoop Bhat warned that 1 ppm of chloride was the maximum current fuel injectors could tolerate, while Mahindra’s senior principal engineer R. Ramaprabhu attributed rapid vehicle failures to organic chloride. These warnings were ignored in public statements, with SIAM and the government downplaying concerns about contamination.

The fallout from this controversy will be far-reaching. The Indian auto industry is already reeling from the impact of E20 on vehicle performance, with hundreds of motorists alleging reduced mileage and increased wear and tear on their cars. At least one court challenge has been triggered by the issue.

In light of these revelations, India must prioritize transparency and accountability in its ethanol-blended petrol program. The government’s response to this crisis will be a crucial test of its commitment to public safety and environmental sustainability.