Oil Companies Defend E20 Petrol Quality as Karnataka Tests Show Ethanol Levels Near 20%

New Delhi: State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have defended the quality of E20 petrol following allegations of excessive ethanol blending at fuel stations in Karnataka. Fresh test results shared by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) have shown ethanol content reaching 19.9 per cent, within the prescribed specifications for E20 fuel.

BPCL said a petrol sample tested in the presence of customers recorded 19.9 per cent ethanol, highlighting the company's commitment to transparency and fuel quality standards.

"Facts verified, confidence reinforced," the company said in a post on X, emphasising that the test findings supported its position on the quality of E20 petrol.

HPCL also presented findings from 56 petrol samples tested by public sector oil companies across Karnataka. According to the company, the samples recorded an average ethanol content of 19.3 per cent.

"When claims make headlines, facts deserve the final word," HPCL said in its social media post.

The company further stressed that accurate fuel quality assessments depend on following prescribed testing procedures and using certified reference materials. It noted that scientific methods are just as important as the numerical results when determining the actual composition of fuel.

The statements come amid a controversy over allegations that certain petrol pumps in Karnataka were supplying fuel with ethanol concentrations exceeding the government-mandated levels.

Earlier this month, the Union government rejected claims that petrol sold at some retail outlets in the state contained excessive amounts of ethanol. It said all 56 samples examined under a nationwide fuel quality monitoring exercise in Karnataka met the prescribed E20 standards, with ethanol content ranging between 19 and 20 per cent.

The government also questioned the testing and sampling procedures used during a separate exercise conducted in October, which reportedly indicated ethanol blending levels of 26 to 31 per cent at certain outlets.

According to the ministry, these figures were not supported by tests carried out in accordance with the prescribed statutory and technical procedures.

The government clarified that E20 petrol supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), BPCL and HPCL across the country, including Karnataka, complies with IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.

It also pointed to the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, along with the Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024, which establish procedures for collecting, retaining and testing fuel samples and communicating the findings.

The ministry said oil marketing companies had not received corresponding retained samples, complete outlet-wise information or laboratory reports from the October testing exercise, despite requesting these documents through the State Level Coordinator.

Adding further support to its position, the government revealed that all 893 E20 petrol samples collected from 27 states and Union Territories as part of the nationwide monitoring programme contained ethanol within the prescribed range of 19 to 21 per cent.

E20 petrol contains up to 20 per cent ethanol blended with petrol and forms a key part of India's strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions and promote the use of domestically produced biofuels.

The latest findings have brought the focus back to the importance of standardised fuel testing and transparent quality checks as India expands its ethanol-blending programme. While the oil companies maintain that their fuel meets national specifications, consistent monitoring and access to reliable test results remain essential for maintaining consumer confidence.

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