Oil ministry rejects Karnataka's claims of excessive ethanol in petrol
State-run oil companies found 893 samples across 27 states and Union territories to be within quality standards.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday rejected allegations from the Karnataka government regarding high ethanol content in petrol. According to reports by The Times of India, the ministry stated that tests on 893 samples across 27 states and Union territories showed they met required quality levels.
The ministry said Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) tested the samples. These tests showed ethanol levels fell between 19 and 21 per cent, as required by the Bureau of Indian Standards' IS 17021 specification.
In Karnataka, 56 samples were tested, which recorded an average ethanol content of 19.30 per cent. This contradicts a statement from Karnataka's Department of Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, which claimed some October 2026 samples contained 26-31 per cent ethanol.
The three oil marketing companies (OMCs) have challenged the state's testing procedures. They noted that they were not provided with outlet-wise details, laboratory reports, or retention samples to allow for independent verification.
The OMCs also raised concerns regarding certificates from a third-party laboratory, noting a lack of detail on test methods and dilution procedures. They have requested access to counterpart samples for testing at an authorised laboratory alongside state officials.
The ministry defended the E20 programme, noting it has saved more than Rs 1.97 lakh crore in foreign exchange since the 2014-15 ethanol supply year.