Government tightens fuel quality checks over E20 contamination

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stepped up quality checks across India's retail fuel network after complaints about contamination in E20 petrol. The tightened inspections cover fuel stations nationwide as the country continues its push toward higher ethanol blending. The checks affect anyone filling up at a pump this month, regardless of what they drive.

Why the ministry is stepping in

E20 petrol, which carries 20 percent ethanol, has been rolled out widely over the past couple of years as part of the government's ethanol blending programme. Owners in some areas have flagged issues they suspect are linked to fuel quality rather than the blend itself, and that appears to be what has pushed the ministry to widen its inspection net.

Signs of bad fuel at the pump

If contaminated fuel is doing the rounds, a few symptoms tend to show up first. Keep an eye out for:

• Rough idling or a sudden loss of power soon after refuelling
• Fuel that smells unusual or looks cloudy at the nozzle
• A noticeable drop in mileage with no change in your driving
• Warning lights coming on shortly after a fill-up
• Trouble restarting the vehicle the next time you use it

What this means for your vehicle

Not every petrol vehicle handles E20 the same way. Newer models sold in the last couple of years are generally built to run on it, but older engines and fuel systems can be more sensitive to both the ethanol content and any contamination in the blend. Worth keeping in mind if you drive an older car or bike and have noticed anything off lately.

What to do until things settle

Stick to fuel stations you trust, keep your receipts, and avoid topping up from unfamiliar pumps if you can help it. If your vehicle starts behaving oddly right after a fill-up, it is worth getting the fuel checked rather than assuming it is a mechanical fault. Reporting bad fuel to the pump operator or the nearest consumer helpline also helps flag stations for follow-up checks.

Have you noticed anything unusual with your fuel lately?