The Karnataka government has raised concerns over the ethanol content in petrol sold across the state after laboratory tests reportedly detected ethanol levels significantly higher than the prescribed 20% limit under the E20 fuel programme. Some samples reportedly contained as much as 31.2% ethanol, prompting the state to seek clarification and action from the Centre.
Laboratory Tests Reveal Higher Ethanol Levels
According to the Karnataka government’s findings, 63 petrol samples collected from seven districts were examined to determine their ethanol content. The samples included fuel supplied by major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Nayara Energy, Shell and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL).
The tests reportedly found ethanol concentrations of 31.2% in certain IOCL samples and 30.5% in HPCL samples. Other samples recorded 26.5% in BPCL’s Speed petrol, 26.1% in Nayara petrol and 25.5% in Shell petrol.
The testing was reportedly conducted by Shriram Research Institute in Bengaluru, an accredited laboratory. The state government said the findings raised questions about compliance with the prescribed E20 fuel specifications.
Karnataka Raises Concerns Over Consumer Impact
E20 petrol is designed to contain 20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol. Ethanol blending is part of India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote alternative fuel sources.
However, Karnataka officials have expressed concerns about the potential impact of higher ethanol concentrations on vehicle performance, fuel efficiency and maintenance expenses.
The state government estimates that a 10% reduction in vehicle mileage could result in annual consumer losses of approximately Rs 62,000 crore. It has also highlighted potential additional vehicle servicing expenses.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad has called for greater transparency in fuel quality reporting and compensation for motorists who may have suffered losses.
Oil Companies Dispute the Findings
The three public sector oil marketing companies, IOCL, BPCL and HPCL, have disputed the reported findings. They maintain that E20 petrol supplied across India complies with IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.
The companies have also questioned the sampling procedures and testing methodology used in Karnataka’s October exercise, arguing that the process did not follow prescribed technical requirements.
The Petroleum Ministry subsequently stated that 893 samples tested across 27 states and Union Territories met the prescribed standards. All 56 samples tested in Karnataka reportedly contained between 19% and 20% ethanol.
State Seeks Greater Transparency
Karnataka has urged the Centre to investigate the matter, publish ethanol-blending information and ensure petrol stations disclose the percentage of ethanol in their fuel.
The state has also proposed an E20 compensation fund and greater consumer choice in fuel blends.
The differing findings have brought fuel quality monitoring and testing procedures into focus. Further verification through transparent and jointly conducted testing could help establish whether the reported deviations represent violations of existing fuel standards.
Summary
Karnataka has reported ethanol levels of up to 31.2% in petrol samples, exceeding the prescribed E20 limit. The state has raised concerns about vehicle performance, mileage and maintenance costs while seeking compensation for motorists. Oil companies have disputed the findings, citing testing methodology concerns. The Petroleum Ministry says 893 samples tested nationwide complied with prescribed fuel quality standards.
