New Delhi: The Indian government has announced that it is to introduce tougher standards for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other members of the auto fuel supply chain. The reason behind the move is to reduce the chloride contamination in E20 petrol (20% ethanol, 80% petrol).
The government is looking at extending the current concentration of less than 3 parts per million (ppm) of contaminating chlorides to E20 petrol. This cap is currently part of voluntary requirements for ethanol blended petrol. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which sets standards for fuel quality standards in India, is trying to make it mandatory.
Following a complaint from the auto industry regarding the quality of the E20 fuel being pumped at some petrol stations, the move has come. The automakers have reported incidents where fuel has contained higher levels of chloride and excessive moisture. Some vehicle components could fail owing to such contamination, reports worry.
The government would like to make contamination limits legal to make the fuel quality better in the country, the official said. The suggested move is likely to shift more onus on OMCs and others to guarantee that petrol sold to consumers will adhere to the standards.
The issue has become more important as India has already achieved its 20% ethanol blending target five years ahead of its original schedule. The nation also is considering higher ethanol blends in the future. With any potential increase in ethanol blending, it will be important to ensure that ethanol blends are of better quality.
The blending of ethanol in India is also a part of a broader process of decreasing dependence on imported crude oil, enhancing energy security, and reducing emissions. As E20 petrol becomes more readily available, however, fuel quality and compatibility with vehicles has been a primary concern.
The new regulations could help establish uniform fuel quality standards and address concerns expressed by the car makers. Consumers will mainly be concerned with being sure that filling stations are providing E20 compliant, clean and adequate quality petrol.
