Oil companies dispute Karnataka claims of excess ethanol in petrol
Three public sector oil marketing companies have rejected findings that petrol in Karnataka contained up to 31 per cent ethanol.
Three public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), have disputed claims by the Karnataka government that petrol samples contained 26–31 per cent ethanol. According to reports from Outlook, The Indian Express, and Mathrubhumi, the companies stated that 893 samples tested across 27 states and Union Territories met the prescribed E20 standards.
The dispute follows claims by Karnataka Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rizwan Arshad that petrol samples collected from seven districts showed ethanol levels exceeding the 20 per cent limit. The government alleged that tests from the Bengaluru-based Shriram Research Institute recorded 31.2 per cent ethanol in IOCL samples and 30.5 per cent in HPCL samples.
The OMCs questioned the testing methodology used in an October exercise, alleging that samples were collected without their representatives present. They also stated they had not received laboratory reports or outlet-wise details despite seeking them through the State Level Coordinator. The companies noted that the third-party laboratory certificates did not specify the standard method or dilution procedure used, preventing independent verification.
The companies maintained that their own tests, conducted under the OMC-Centre for High Technology (CHT) Quality Coordination Cell, showed the 56 Karnataka samples contained between 19 per cent and 20 per cent ethanol, with an average of 19.30 per cent. They also flagged discrepancies in density readings reported in the Karnataka certificates.
The OMCs rejected estimates of annual consumer mileage losses of Rs 62,000 crore and vehicle repair costs of Rs 39,000 crore. They stated that vehicles calibrated for E20 could see mileage reductions of 1–2 per cent or 3–6 per cent depending on their category. The companies have requested joint sampling and testing with the state government to establish the facts.