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Karnataka’s ethanol‑in‑petrol claim challenged by state oil firms
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 07 Nov 2026, 11:44 AM
👁 5
State‑run oil companies say the E20 petrol supplied in Karnataka conforms to standards, disputing the government’s claim of 26‑31% ethanol content.
State‑run oil marketers have publicly refuted Karnataka’s assertion that the petrol sold across the state contains 26‑31% ethanol. The companies maintain that the E20 blend – petrol mixed with 20% ethanol – meets all prescribed quality norms set by the Ministry of Petroleum and the Bureau of Indian Standards.
According to the firms, routine laboratory tests on the fuel batches confirm that ethanol levels are within the 20% limit and that the blend complies with specifications for octane rating, emissions and engine compatibility. They have asked the state government to share the testing methodology and data that underpin the higher ethanol percentage claim.
The disagreement arrives as Karnataka pushes for a larger bio‑fuel share to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on imported oil. If the matter escalates, it could lead to a joint verification exercise involving central and state agencies, potentially influencing the rollout schedule for higher‑ethanol fuels nationwide.
According to the firms, routine laboratory tests on the fuel batches confirm that ethanol levels are within the 20% limit and that the blend complies with specifications for octane rating, emissions and engine compatibility. They have asked the state government to share the testing methodology and data that underpin the higher ethanol percentage claim.
The disagreement arrives as Karnataka pushes for a larger bio‑fuel share to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on imported oil. If the matter escalates, it could lead to a joint verification exercise involving central and state agencies, potentially influencing the rollout schedule for higher‑ethanol fuels nationwide.