Indian car makers, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra, have expressed concerns over fuel contamination in ethanol-blended petrol, known as E20. Despite public assurances from the government that E20 is safe, the car makers have privately discussed their worries about contaminants like chloride and moisture, which they say can hurt vehicles.
Fuel Contamination Concerns
The car makers’ concerns were revealed through emails and data compiled by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The data showed high levels of chloride contamination in many fuel samples, with some samples exceeding the permissible limit of 3 parts per million (ppm). The car makers also found high moisture content in some samples, which can immobilize a vehicle immediately after fueling.
The Indian government has said that the permissible limit for chloride is 3 ppm, and that oil marketing companies have begun rigorous testing of fuel at retail outlets to check for contamination. However, the car makers’ data suggests that the contamination is more widespread than the government has acknowledged.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
