Oil firms deny Karnataka's ethanol content allegations in petrol

India's major oil corporations have pushed back against claims by Karnataka authorities that petrol sold in the state contains dangerously high ethanol concentrations of 26-31 percent. The companies have instead asserted that E20 fuel—a blend containing up to 20 percent ethanol—currently supplied throughout Karnataka complies with all prescribed specifications.

The dispute highlights growing scrutiny around fuel quality standards in Indian states as the country expands its ethanol-blended fuel programme. E20 fuel has been positioned as an environmentally cleaner alternative to conventional petrol, with the central government actively promoting its adoption across the nation.

Oil companies have called for independent laboratory testing to verify the ethanol content in petrol samples, suggesting that Karnataka's allegations lack scientific substantiation. The request for test reports underscores the technical nature of the disagreement and the companies' confidence in their supply chain quality controls.

The matter assumes significance as Karnataka joins other Indian states in scrutinizing fuel quality metrics. Ethanol blending programmes are intended to reduce crude oil imports and lower vehicular emissions, but only when fuel composition adheres to established benchmarks. Resolution of the current dispute will likely require third-party verification of fuel samples from retail outlets across the state.

Neither the oil companies nor Karnataka authorities have indicated when independent testing results might become available or what remedial measures could follow if violations are confirmed.