Shillong: The Petroleum Dealers Association, Meghalaya (PDAM) has advised drivers to be cautious due to the use of ethanol-blended petrol.
The government is starting the use of petrol containing up to 20 per cent ethanol.
While ethanol is beneficial environmentally, it attracts water, which can cause problems in vehicle engines.
The PDAM said they had opposed the switch due to concerns about water contamination, especially in rainy regions like Meghalaya.
While public awareness campaigns have been conducted, the association urged drivers to take extra precautions during the monsoon season.
These precautions include parking vehicles in covered areas, particularly two-wheelers, and ensuring fuel tank caps are properly sealed.
The association emphasizes that petrol pump owners are diligently maintaining their underground storage tanks to minimize water contamination.
However, they acknowledge the risk of water entering customer fuel tanks, especially during heavy rain.
The PDAM said that it was concerned that pump owners are being unfairly blamed for water contamination issues and sometimes forced to pay compensation.