Karnataka Ethanol Controversy: The country's public sector oil companies (OMCs) have come forward amid controversy and allegations that excess ethanol is being blended into petrol in Karnataka. Leading oil companies including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Monday reiterated the quality of E20 petrol based on tests conducted in the presence of consumers. In these transparent tests conducted by the companies, the petrol samples have clearly proven to contain around 19.9 percent ethanol, which has strengthened the confidence of the consumers about the quality of the fuel.

Clarification of BPCL and HPCL

Stressing on technology and transparency, BPCL shared an official post on social media platform X. It was stated that 19.9 per cent ethanol was found in the petrol sample tested as per the established norms in the presence of customers, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency. On the other hand, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) also presented the results of 56 samples tested by state-run oil companies in Karnataka, saying that when false rumors and claims are making headlines in the market, actual facts should be the final judge. HPCL's test reported an average ethanol content of 19.3 percent in all samples and explained the importance of scientific methods.

The government rejected claims of tampering

Earlier this month, the government had categorically rejected claims that petrol was being adulterated with excess ethanol ranging from 26 to 31 per cent at some retail outlets in Karnataka. The ministry clarified that all the 56 samples collected from the state under the nationwide quality monitoring campaign fully complied with the prescribed E20 standards, with ethanol content between the specified limit of 19% to 20%. The government had also raised serious questions over the sample collection and testing method adopted in Karnataka during the month of October, saying that the claims made without due process of law had no substance.

Adherence to strict norms of BIS and testing of samples across the country

According to the oil ministry, E20 petrol supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), BPCL and HPCL across the country, including Karnataka, strictly complies with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standard IS 17021. The procedure for sample collection and testing is prescribed under Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 and Supply Regulation Order. The government further said that a total of 893 E20 samples collected from 27 states and union territories of the country were tested nationwide, of which all the samples were officially found to have ethanol content within the prescribed limit of 19 to 21 percent.