📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Krishna Chaitanya Velaga
National
Karnataka Govt Alleges 30% Ethanol in IOCL, HPCL Petrol; Demands Action
✍️ Livemint
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 10:40 PM
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The Karnataka government has alleged that petrol samples from IOCL and HPCL contain over 30% ethanol, exceeding permissible limits, and has demanded immediate regulatory action.
The Karnataka state government has raised serious concerns regarding the quality of fuel supplied by major public sector undertakings. In a recent statement, the administration alleged that petrol samples tested from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) contained ethanol levels exceeding 30 percent.
This allegation points to a potential breach of the standard blending norms prescribed for petrol in India. The government highlighted that such high concentrations of ethanol may not align with the approved technical specifications for fuel quality, raising questions about compliance by the oil marketing companies.
In response to these findings, the Karnataka government has formally demanded that the concerned authorities take immediate action. The state administration is seeking a review of the supply chain and quality control measures to ensure that the fuel distributed to consumers meets the mandated standards.
The issue has drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding ethanol blending in India, where the government aims to increase the share of bio-fuel in petrol to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. However, maintaining the correct ratio is crucial to ensure vehicle performance and consumer safety.
This allegation points to a potential breach of the standard blending norms prescribed for petrol in India. The government highlighted that such high concentrations of ethanol may not align with the approved technical specifications for fuel quality, raising questions about compliance by the oil marketing companies.
In response to these findings, the Karnataka government has formally demanded that the concerned authorities take immediate action. The state administration is seeking a review of the supply chain and quality control measures to ensure that the fuel distributed to consumers meets the mandated standards.
The issue has drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding ethanol blending in India, where the government aims to increase the share of bio-fuel in petrol to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. However, maintaining the correct ratio is crucial to ensure vehicle performance and consumer safety.