Karnataka government alleges petrol contains ethanol levels exceeding prescribed limits
Tests conducted by the Legal Metrology Department found nearly four out of five petrol samples exceeded the E20 limit.
The Karnataka government has alleged that petrol sold in the state contains excessive ethanol, with some samples showing content as high as 31.2 per cent, according to the Deccan Herald.
The Legal Metrology Department conducted tests on 63 petrol samples collected from seven districts. These samples were analysed at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
The state exercise followed complaints from taxi operators and motorists regarding declining vehicle performance, frequent repairs, and reduced fuel efficiency. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad defended the findings, stating that samples were referred to independent laboratories after oil companies failed to disclose ethanol content.
Public sector oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, have disputed the results. The companies contend that the sampling process did not comply with the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 2005, and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines, 2024.
The companies argued that their representatives were absent during sampling and that retention samples were not shared. They cited their own exercise of 893 samples across 27 states and Union Territories, including 56 from Karnataka, which they claim complied with standards.
Minister Arshad has sought mandatory disclosure of ethanol content at fuel stations, compensation for affected consumers, and action against over-blending.