Petrol pump owners claim ethanol’s moisture-absorbing nature is contaminating fuel
Petrol pump owners report that ethanol-blended fuel (E20) is causing contamination issues due to ethanol's hygroscopic nature. Water ingress in underground storage tanks leads to phase separation, potentially damaging vehicle engines.
Why it matters
This highlights significant infrastructure and logistical challenges in India's transition to higher ethanol-blended fuels, impacting both fuel retailers and consumers.
Petrol pump owners claim that ethanol’s hygroscopic nature or affinity towards water is leading to contamination of their E20 stock during monsoons and in the coastal areas since the existing underground storage tanks were designed for conventional petrol, not higher ethanol blends.
The article presents industry concerns and technical explanations without taking a stance on the government's ethanol policy.
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