What Centre said about Karnataka’s claims of excess ethanol in petrol; did all samples comply with E20 standards
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has questioned the Karnataka government’s claim that petrol sold at certain retail outlets in the state contained 26–31% ethanol—significantly higher than the prescribed 20% limit. Three public sector oil companies—Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL)—have stated that these claims do not align with the results of tests conducted under established protocols.
The companies assert that the E20 petrol supplied across the country, including in Karnataka, adheres to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 17021.
According to the oil companies, the testing process carried out in Karnataka in October 2026 failed to follow the mandated sampling and testing procedures. They said that the samples were collected without the presence of their representatives. Furthermore, the companies stated that they did not receive the samples, outlet-specific details, or the complete laboratory reports necessary to verify these claims.
All 56 samples from Karnataka fall within the prescribed limits
The companies cited a nationwide quality-monitoring exercise conducted in collaboration with the Centre for High Technology (CHT). A total of 893 E20 samples were tested across 27 states and union territories; all were found to contain between 19% and 21% ethanol, which is within the permitted range.
Notably, all 56 samples collected from various locations in Karnataka also met the required standards. The ethanol content in these samples ranged from 19% to 20%, with an average of 19.30%. Oil companies have also raised questions regarding the testing methodologies used in the certificates presented by the Karnataka government. They stated that these certificates lack the comprehensive technical details required to independently verify ethanol levels.
Companies Demand Joint Testing
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have requested the Karnataka government to share sampling records, laboratory reports, and testing procedures. They have also demanded that samples be made available for independent testing at an authorized laboratory, in the presence of representatives from both the state government and the companies.
The companies explained that the process of blending ethanol at refineries and depots is carried out through automated and calibrated systems, which include quality checks at various stages. They clarified that there is no scope for the arbitrary or manual addition of ethanol beyond the prescribed limits.
OMCs Respond to Claims of Consumers Suffering Losses
The oil companies have also challenged estimates suggesting that ethanol blending causes an annual loss of approximately ₹62,000 crore to consumers due to reduced mileage, along with an additional expenditure of ₹39,000 crore on vehicle repairs.
They asserted that such estimates require scientific evidence and cannot be based on the generalized assumption that all vehicles experience a 10% reduction in mileage.
Studies conducted by an inter-ministerial committee, Indian Oil, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) indicate that the reduction in mileage varies depending on the type of vehicle and its calibration. For vehicles designed for E20 fuel, the reduction may be around 1–2%, while other vehicles might experience a decline of 3–6%.
Foreign Exchange Savings through the Ethanol Programme
The Ministry stated that the ethanol-blending programme has helped reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil. Furthermore, it has benefited farmers and contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Since the 2014-15 ethanol supply year, the programme has yielded the following benefits:
- Savings in foreign exchange exceeding ₹1.97 lakh crore.
- Replacement of approximately 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil with ethanol.
- A reduction of approximately 952 lakh metric tonnes in CO₂ emissions.
- Payments to farmers exceeding ₹1.66 lakh crore.
During the 2025-26 ethanol supply year (ending October 31, 2026), public sector oil companies procured 1,089 crore litres of ethanol and blended 1,134 crore litres of ethanol into petrol, against a total sale of approximately 5,673 crore litres of petrol.
The Ministry noted that the programme is implemented in compliance with national quality standards and is subject to regular monitoring. It reiterated that consumer safety and fuel quality remain top priorities. Should any violation of regulations be detected during proper inspections, action will be taken in accordance with the applicable rules.