Chloride, moisture in E20 petrol raise concerns: What science says

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of chloride and moisture contamination in India's E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol with gasoline. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) previously highlighted these issues in a letter, which has since been withdrawn.

Chloride, a corrosive agent, poses a significant risk to metal parts within vehicles. Its presence in fuel can accelerate wear and tear, potentially leading to premature component failure and increased maintenance costs for vehicle owners. This corrosion is a critical factor in assessing the long-term viability and safety of the fuel blend.

Furthermore, moisture contamination can degrade the quality of the petrol and negatively affect engine performance. The combination of these contaminants presents a challenge for the automotive industry as it navigates the transition to higher ethanol blends. SIAM's initial concerns, though withdrawn, shed light on the technical hurdles that need to be addressed for the successful implementation of E20 fuel across the country.