E20 Petrol Row: Centre Rejects Karnataka's Claims Of Excess Ethanol, Says All 56 Samples Met Norms
The Centre has rejected allegations of excess ethanol blending in E20 petrol supplied at fuel stations in Karnataka, maintaining that samples tested across the state complied with prescribed quality standards. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said all 56 samples collected in Karnataka contained ethanol within the specified range of 19% to 20%, countering claims made by the state…
The Indian government has dismissed Karnataka's claims of excess ethanol blending in E20 petrol supplied at fuel stations, asserting that all 56 samples tested across the state met the prescribed quality standards. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the ethanol content in the samples ranged from 19% to 20%, contradicting allegations by Karnataka's Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology Minister Rizwan Arshad.
Arshad had raised concerns after tests on fuel samples from petrol outlets in several districts indicated ethanol levels exceeding the permitted limit, with some samples reportedly recording levels above 30%. The state government had raised concerns that excessive ethanol blending could negatively impact vehicle mileage and increase maintenance costs for consumers.
The OMCs, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), responded by questioning the sampling and testing process followed by Karnataka, requesting joint sampling, complete test documentation, and independent re-testing in line with the prescribed standards.
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