New Delhi: Three major public sector oil companies have rejected claims by the Karnataka government that petrol sold at certain retail outlets in the state contains between 26% and 31% ethanol, questioning the testing procedures used to arrive at the reported figures.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) maintained that the reported findings were not supported by tests conducted according to prescribed statutory and technical procedures.
The companies asserted that E20 petrol supplied across the country, including Karnataka, complies with IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.
They raised concerns over the sampling process followed during an October 2026 testing exercise, stating that established regulations require six one-litre samples to be collected from each outlet. These must be distributed between the dealer, oil company or department, and an authorised laboratory, with proper labelling and documentation.
According to the companies, samples collected during a September exercise were tested through designated oil company laboratories. However, the subsequent October exercise allegedly took place without the participation of oil company representatives.
They also claimed that they had not received the corresponding retained samples, outlet-wise details or complete laboratory reports despite requesting the information.
The companies further questioned the technical details mentioned in certificates issued by a third-party laboratory. They pointed out that the documents did not clearly identify the prescribed testing standard, dilution procedure or reference material used to calculate ethanol content through Gas Chromatography.
Under the applicable BIS standard, ethanol levels must be determined through specified testing methods. The companies argued that without the necessary technical information, the reported figures of 26% to 31% could not be independently verified.
They also challenged estimates suggesting annual consumer mileage losses of around Rs 62,000 crore and vehicle repair expenses of Rs 39,000 crore. The companies argued that these projections required scientific evidence and documented assessments rather than blanket assumptions.
The three oil companies have asked the Karnataka government to provide complete sampling records, laboratory reports and access to retained samples for independent testing at an authorised laboratory in the presence of both sides’ representatives.
