Petrol pump owners across several regions have expressed concerns about ethanol-blended petrol, claiming that ethanol's hygroscopic nature—its ability to absorb moisture from the atmosphere—is contributing to fuel contamination.
According to fuel dealers, the absorbed moisture can affect the quality of stored fuel, particularly when storage tanks or handling systems are exposed to humid conditions. They argue that this may increase maintenance requirements for fuel storage facilities and could potentially impact vehicle performance if contamination becomes significant.
The concerns come as India continues to expand its ethanol blending programme to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower carbon emissions. While the ethanol blending initiative has environmental and economic benefits, petrol pump operators are seeking technical solutions and infrastructure upgrades to address storage-related challenges. Industry experts note that proper storage practices and modern fuel handling systems play a crucial role in minimizing moisture-related issues.
