Please Give Us Non-Ethanol Petrol At Least During Monsoons: Petrol Pump Owners To Oil Companies:
Petrol pump owners in some cities are requesting oil marketing companies to provide non-ethanol blended fuel during monsoon months, citing mounting customer complaints and technical issues related to high humidity levels, The Hindu reports. The demand comes as concerns grow over phase separation problems that occur when ethanol absorbs moisture from humid air, leading to fuel contamination and engine damage.
The issue has become particularly acute in humid coastal areas where atmospheric moisture causes ethanol to absorb water from the surrounding air. When ethanol reaches its saturation point, it separates from petrol, creating distinct layers of water, ethanol, and petroleum in fuel tanks. This phenomenon becomes visible within seconds when fuel is exposed to open air during monsoon conditions, according to dealers who witness the separation first hand.
When Chemistry Goes Wrong at the Pump
Ethanol's hygroscopic nature lies at the heart of these monsoon challenges. Unlike conventional petrol, ethanol readily attracts and absorbs moisture from humid environments.
At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, a standard E10 blend can absorb up to 0.5 percent water content before phase separation occurs, equivalent to roughly 3.8 teaspoons per gallon. However, this tolerance drops significantly as temperatures decrease, making the situation worse during cooler monsoon periods.
In coastal regions where humidity levels remain consistently high, fuel stored in underground tanks experiences continuous moisture ingress despite sealed storage systems.
The resulting water content not only degrades fuel quality but also creates a cascade of engine problems that leave dealers facing customer anger and financial losses. Here's a real world example of what can happen when E20 petrol comes in contact with moisture.
Petrol Bunk Owners Caught Between Angry Customers and Policy
Petrol dealers report receiving numerous complaints related to engine damage, fuel evaporation issues, and water contamination, particularly with higher ethanol blends.
The situation has become so problematic that some fuel stations have stopped informing customers about the ethanol content to avoid confrontations. One dealer from Lucknow noted that people direct abuse at pump attendants, leading stations to avoid discussing the fuel composition altogether.
The petroleum industry faces a unique challenge where dealers bear the brunt of customer dissatisfaction despite having no control over fuel specifications.
Oil companies do not provide specialised storage tanks designed to prevent moisture ingress, yet dealers find themselves held responsible when customers experience vehicle problems. This creates an unfair situation where pump owners face police complaints and customer disputes over circumstances beyond their control.
Coast to Coast: A Humidity Nightmare
The moisture absorption problem varies significantly based on geographic location and local climate conditions. South Gujarat dealers have specifically approached the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas seeking exemptions from the 20 percent ethanol blending mandate during monsoon season. They argue that even with 15 percent ethanol, complaints about engine damage and fuel contamination increase substantially during high humidity periods.
Chennai and other Tamil Nadu coastal areas experience similar challenges, with fuel outlets seeking alternatives to ethanol-blended fuel during the monsoon months. The problem extends beyond just coastal regions, as cities like Kolkata have reported issues where ethanol-blended fuel reaches saturation points and creates multiple fuel layers in tanks.
Storage Systems Unprepared for the Challenge
The infrastructure at most fuel stations lacks the specialised equipment needed to handle ethanol-blended fuel during extreme humidity conditions. Traditional underground storage tanks were designed for conventional petrol and do not incorporate moisture barriers or humidity control systems necessary for ethanol blends. This creates a fundamental mismatch between the fuel specification and storage infrastructure.
Furthermore, the water tolerance of ethanol blends decreases with temperature variations, meaning fuel that appears stable during warmer periods may experience phase separation when temperatures drop during monsoon weather. This temperature sensitivity adds another layer of complexity for dealers managing fuel quality during the monsoon season.
Government Holds Firm Despite Industry Pressure
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has formally represented the issue to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighting how ethanol's properties make it unsuitable for monsoon conditions in certain regions. Their letter emphasises that high humidity causes ethanol to draw moisture from the atmosphere, effectively turning portions of the fuel into water and severely affecting engine performance.
However, the petroleum ministry and transport minister Nitin Gadkari keep parroting that ethanol blending benefits outweigh these concerns, citing reduced emissions and energy security advantages. Government officials argue that proper storage and handling procedures can mitigate most moisture-related problems, though they acknowledge that older vehicles and certain storage conditions may require additional consideration.
The ministry has also pointed out that the ethanol blending programme has resulted in significant foreign exchange savings, with payments to farmers reaching Rs 40,000 crores annually at 20 percent blending levels. This economic argument forms a key part of the government's position against providing non-ethanol alternatives during monsoon periods.
The Rainy Season Dilemma Continues
As the monsoon season approaches each year, fuel outlets continue to grapple with the technical challenges of storing and dispensing ethanol-blended fuel in high humidity conditions.
The ongoing tension between environmental goals and practical operational challenges highlights the need for better infrastructure solutions and clearer guidelines for managing ethanol blends during extreme weather conditions.
Via TheHindu