Petrol Samples Show Up to 31.2% Ethanol, Karnataka Seeks Centre's Intervention

The Karnataka government on Friday alleged that major oil marketing companies (OMCs) were supplying petrol with ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit, with laboratory tests recording levels as high as 31.2 per cent, and demanded action against the companies.

Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Minister Rizwan Arshad said the findings were based on tests conducted on fuel samples collected from Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.

According to reports from Bengaluru-based Shriram Research Institute, an NABL-accredited and ISO-certified laboratory, samples from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) recorded ethanol content of 31.2 per cent and 30.5 per cent, respectively.

Other samples showed ethanol levels of 27 per cent in HPCL petrol, 26.5 per cent in BPCL's Speed petrol, 26.1 per cent in Nayara petrol and 25.5 per cent in Shell petrol. Several other samples also recorded levels above 20 per cent.

The state government alleged that in-house laboratory reports from IOCL and BPCL did not disclose ethanol content, despite it being a prescribed testing parameter, raising concerns over transparency.

It said excessive blending could lead to reduced mileage and damage to vehicle components, including fuel pumps, injectors, filters, hoses and seals. The government claimed that 99 per cent of India's 35 crore vehicles were not designed to operate on blends exceeding E20.

Karnataka demanded action against companies found supplying petrol beyond the prescribed limit, compensation for affected consumers and mandatory display of ethanol percentages at fuel stations.

It also sought the creation of an E20 spoilage fund to compensate vehicle owners for damage certified by authorised service centres.

Arshad said the Centre must clarify the actual ethanol content in petrol supplied nationwide.