Karnataka flags ethanol levels crossing the permissible 20% limit in petrol samples

The Karnataka government has accused major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), of supplying petrol with ethanol content exceeding the legal limit of 20%, according to a report. Laboratory tests conducted by Shriram Research Institute, Bengaluru, revealed ethanol levels as high as 31.2% in IOCL petrol and 30.5% in HPCL petrol.

The government has demanded action against the companies and raised concerns over the potential impact on vehicles and consumers, as only a few vehicles are capable of handling ethanol blends beyond E20. IOCL and HPCL recorded the highest ethanol levels of 31.2% and 30.5%, respectively, while other major fuel companies also had higher ethanol content in their petrol samples.

The Karnataka government has called for mandatory disclosure of ethanol blend percentages at fuel stations, the establishment of an E20 spoilage fund, and the provision of different fuel blends to give consumers a choice.