SIAM to undertake scientific study to examine concerns on E20 fuel, denies report

Following an investigative report by Reuters stating that the automobile manufacturers’ association, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), had retracted a letter of caution to the government despite leading automakers expressing concern in an internal email communication about fuel contamination due to the use of E20 fuel in petrol vehicles, SIAM has denied that it withdrew the earlier letter owing to any pressure.

However, it said it will “undertake a proper scientific study with inputs from its Members and relevant technical experts, to ensure that any future submissions are based on thoroughly validated and representative evidence.”

In a statement following Reuters report, SIAM said, “SIAM notes that certain media reports have drawn incorrect inferences regarding the reasons for the withdrawal of an earlier SIAM communication.”

“It is therefore appropriate to clarify the factual circumstances surrounding the withdrawal,” it emphasised.

“The communication contained preliminary data collected by a few OEMs and was intended solely for internal circulation among SIAM members for further discussion and validation. It stated that “as the data had not been reviewed, authenticated or substantiated by the wider membership, and the testing basis and sample size were insufficient to support definitive conclusions, the communication was withdrawn upon recognising that it had been inadvertently transmitted externally.”

“Accordingly, the said letter sent to the Ministry was immediately withdrawn following consultations with Members. We reiterate the points that we have already made in our earlier clarification in this regard,” SIAM said.