​​​​​​​New Delhi, August 8: The Centre has assured consumers that they can continue using E20 petrol without concern, stating that fuel supplied through the network of oil marketing companies (OMCs) meets all prescribed quality standards.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Saturday that robust quality-control and monitoring mechanisms are in place across the entire fuel supply chain to protect consumer interests.

The assurance comes amid recent media reports raising concerns over the presence of moisture and chloride in EBMS, or E20 petrol. In response, OMCs conducted an additional nationwide testing drive covering the entire supply chain.

According to the ministry, the extensive testing found that fuel quality remained well within the prescribed limits. It said scientifically designed random tests showed no evidence of contamination that could pose a threat to consumers or vehicles.

“Fuel quality is our highest priority,” the ministry said, adding that any issue that could potentially affect vehicle performance or consumer confidence is promptly investigated and addressed through corrective measures.

As part of strengthened surveillance, OMCs are now conducting water-ingress and density tests  8 to 12 times a day at every retail outlet. Mobile fuel-quality testing laboratories have also been deployed at various locations, while results are being independently verified by fuel laboratories.

The ministry said these enhanced, multi-level testing measures have further validated the quality standards maintained across the fuel supply chain.

In addition, more than 100 randomly selected petrol samples from different refineries were tested, with chloride levels found to be consistently low. All the samples recorded chloride content of 1 ppm or below.

The government said the findings demonstrate the continued effectiveness of quality-control systems integrated into India's refining, storage and fuel-dispatch processes.