893 samples tested across 27 States and Union Territories met prescribed standards, including 56 samples from Karnataka, according to the three public sector oil marketing companies.
New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have questioned the testing methodology behind claims by the Karnataka Government that petrol at certain retail outlets contained 26% to 31% ethanol. The three public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) maintain that E20 petrol supplied through their networks conforms to the Bureau of Indian Standards specification IS 17021.
The companies have raised concerns over the sampling and testing procedures followed during an October 2026 exercise, stating that the process reportedly took place without the participation of OMC representatives. They said they had not received the corresponding retention samples, complete outlet-wise details or laboratory reports required to independently verify the findings.
According to the OMCs, the prescribed procedure under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Control Order, 2005, read with the Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG) 2024, requires six one-litre samples to be drawn, distributed between the dealer, oil company or department, and a designated laboratory. The samples must be jointly labelled and test results communicated within the prescribed timeframe.
The companies have also questioned the technical details provided in the third-party laboratory certificates cited in the Karnataka press release. They said the certificates did not specify the applicable standard test method, dilution procedure or reference material used to determine ethanol content.
Under IS 17021:2018, ethanol content in E20 fuel is to be determined through specified methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, water extraction or Gas Chromatography. The OMCs said the absence of these details makes the reported ethanol levels difficult to independently validate.
893 samples found within prescribed limits
Citing the OMC-Centre for High Technology (CHT) Quality Coordination Cell exercise, the companies said 893 E20 samples collected from depots and retail outlets across 27 States and Union Territories were tested in refinery and OMC quality-control laboratories. All samples reportedly recorded ethanol content within the prescribed 19–21% range.
Of these, 56 samples were collected in Karnataka across different locations and all three OMCs. The companies said these samples recorded ethanol content between 19% and 20%, with an average of 19.30%.
The OMCs also stated that ethanol blending at refineries and depots is carried out through calibrated and automated systems, supported by established quality-control procedures.
OMCs question consumer-loss estimates
The companies have also called for scientific scrutiny of estimates suggesting annual consumer mileage losses of approximately ₹62,000 crore and vehicle-repair costs of around ₹39,000 crore.
Referring to studies involving IOCL, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the OMCs said the impact of E20 on mileage varies according to vehicle category and calibration. They cited estimates of around 1–2% mileage reduction for vehicles calibrated for E20 and approximately 3–6% for certain other vehicles.
The companies argued that applying a blanket 10% mileage-loss assumption across the entire vehicle population would not constitute a scientifically established assessment.
Ethanol programme’s economic and environmental contribution
The OMCs highlighted the wider benefits of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, including reduced dependence on imported crude oil, support for agricultural value chains and lower carbon emissions.
Citing Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas figures, they said that since Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2014–15, the programme has resulted in foreign-exchange savings of more than ₹1.97 lakh crore, substitution of approximately 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, reduction of around 952 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions and payments exceeding ₹1.66 lakh crore to farmers.
During ESY 2025–26, ending October 31, 2026, PSU OMCs reportedly procured 1,089 crore litres of ethanol and blended 1,134 crore litres against petrol sales of approximately 5,673 crore litres.
Companies seek joint verification
The three OMCs have requested the Karnataka Government to share complete sampling records, outlet-wise laboratory reports and details of the testing methodology. They have also sought access to counterpart samples for independent testing at an authorised laboratory using the prescribed method, in the presence of State Government and OMC representatives.
The companies said they remain willing to cooperate with the State Government in conducting joint sampling and testing in accordance with the applicable regulations and guidelines. They reiterated their commitment to fuel quality, regulatory compliance and consumer protection.