How Petrol Pal works

People test petrol with their own Petrol Pal and share the result. Together, the tests show where fuel matches what it should be.

1Test at the pumpDip your Petrol Pal in a small sample of the petrol you just bought.

2Scan and uploadScan the QR code on your tester. Your phone adds the pump’s location.

3The map learnsOnce a pump has enough tests, everyone can see the result.

What is E20?

E20 is petrol blended with about 20% ethanol. It’s the standard petrol sold across India. Petrol Pal measures the ethanol share, so you can see whether your fuel is close to that 20%.

What the results mean

Consistent with E20

At least 5 tests from 3 different testers, and they agree the fuel is close to 20% ethanol.

Readings vary — no rating yet

There are enough tests, but they don’t agree closely. We don’t draw any conclusion from this.

Not enough tests

Most pumps start here. It says nothing good or bad about the pump.

While we collect the first tests, map pins show each pump’s brand. Pins switch to test results once enough pumps have been tested.

How we keep results fair

Each test can only be uploaded once — the QR code is unique and signed by the tester, so it can’t be edited.
Your phone’s location must match the pump, or the test doesn’t count.
We need several testers, so one person can’t decide a pump’s result.
We use the typical (middle) reading, so one unusual test doesn’t swing it.
Only tests from the last 6 months count.

Please keep in mind

Petrol Pal is a consumer device. Results are an indication, not a laboratory certificate.
It measures ethanol only. It does not test for other substances.
We don’t publish claims about any pump or company. We only show whether tests agree with E20.

Worried about fuel you bought?

Keep your receipt.
Ask the pump staff for a density check or a quantity check — outlets keep equipment for these.
Contact the oil company’s customer care number shown at the pump.
You can also tell us privately. We don’t publish these reports.

Questions

Do I need an account?

No. Anyone can view the map and upload tests. Sign in only if you want to write reviews or keep a history of your tests.

Where does the list of pumps come from?

From OpenStreetMap, a public map made by volunteers. Some pumps may be missing or slightly off — you can report or add them.

I run a petrol pump. How do I respond?

Use “Own or manage this pump?” on your pump’s page. We’ll get in touch.

Who checks the reviews?

The Petrol Pal team reads every review before it appears. Reviews about fuel quality or individual staff aren’t published.

Can anyone see my test readings?

No. Only you see your own numbers. The public only sees a pump’s overall result once it has enough tests.