893 Samples Tested Across 27 States and UTs Meet Prescribed Standards; All 56 Samples from Karnataka Record Ethanol Levels Between 19% and 20%
New Delhi, November 6, 2026:
Amid the controversy over ethanol content in petrol in Karnataka, the country’s three major public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) — have issued a strong clarification, questioning the testing methodology behind the reported claims of excessive ethanol blending.
The Karnataka government had reportedly claimed that petrol sold at certain retail outlets in the state contained between 26% and 31% ethanol. However, the three OMCs have maintained that petrol supplied by them across the country, including Karnataka, conforms to the Bureau of Indian Standards specification IS 17021 for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.
According to the companies, the reported findings are not supported by testing conducted in accordance with the prescribed statutory and technical procedures.
OMCs Raise Concerns Over Sampling and Testing Procedures
The three oil companies have raised serious concerns over the sampling and testing methodology adopted during the October 2026 exercise in Karnataka.
As per the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, read with the Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG) 2024, a prescribed procedure must be followed for sample collection, retention, testing and communication of results.
The OMCs stated that samples reportedly collected during the October exercise were drawn without the participation of their representatives. They further claimed that the corresponding retention samples, outlet-wise details and complete laboratory reports have not been provided despite repeated requests.
The companies have also questioned the use of third-party laboratory certificates, stating that the documents do not contain sufficient technical details to independently validate the reported ethanol content.
Testing Methodology Under IS 17021 Questioned
The OMCs have also highlighted concerns regarding the testing methodology cited in the Karnataka certificates.
Under IS 17021:2018, as amended in August 2025, ethanol content in E20 fuel is required to be determined using prescribed methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), water extraction or Gas Chromatography.
The companies stated that the certificates merely mention “Ethanol % by Gas Chromatography” without specifying the applicable test standard, dilution procedure or reference material used for correction.
According to the OMCs, the absence of these technical details makes it difficult to independently verify the reported ethanol levels of 26% to 31%.
893 E20 Samples Tested Across 27 States and UTs
The OMCs highlighted the findings of the Quality Coordination Cell (QCC) exercise conducted in coordination with the Centre for High Technology (CHT), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
A total of 893 E20 fuel samples collected from depots and retail outlets across 27 States and Union Territories were tested for ethanol content in accordance with IS 17021, Annex C.
The samples included:
- IOCL: 330 samples
- BPCL: 280 samples
- HPCL: 283 samples
The companies stated that all 893 samples were found within the prescribed ethanol content range of 19% to 21%.
Significantly, all 56 samples tested in Karnataka, representing different locations and all three OMCs, were also found compliant, recording ethanol content between 19% and 20%, with an average of 19.30%.
The companies said these findings are inconsistent with the substantially higher ethanol levels reported in the Karnataka press release.
E20 Blending Is an Automated and Controlled Process
The OMCs emphasised that ethanol blending at refineries and depots is carried out through established, calibrated and automated systems.
According to the companies, the blending process involves controlled proportioning arrangements and prescribed quality-control protocols. They maintained that ethanol is not added to petrol manually or arbitrarily.
The companies reiterated that their quality-assurance systems are designed to ensure that blended fuel meets the applicable BIS specifications before reaching consumers.
OMCs Question Claims of ₹1.01 Lakh Crore Consumer Loss
The three oil companies have also questioned claims of an estimated ₹62,000 crore annual consumer mileage loss and ₹39,000 crore in vehicle-repair costs, amounting to approximately ₹1.01 lakh crore.
According to the OMCs, such estimates require transparent scientific assessment and supporting technical evidence.
The companies cited studies conducted by the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
They stated that vehicles calibrated for E20 fuel may experience mileage reductions of approximately 1% to 2%, while certain other vehicles may experience reductions of around 3% to 6%, depending on vehicle category and calibration.
The OMCs argued that applying a blanket assumption of 10% mileage loss across the entire vehicle population does not constitute a scientifically established assessment.
They also maintained that claims relating to vehicle-repair costs must be supported by documented repair data, vehicle-performance studies and materials compatibility assessments.
Ethanol Blending Programme Delivers Economic and Environmental Benefits
The OMCs highlighted the broader benefits of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, strengthen domestic agricultural value chains and enhance energy security.
According to figures cited from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the programme since Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2014-15 has resulted in:
- Foreign exchange savings exceeding ₹1.97 lakh crore.
- Substitution of approximately 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil.
- Reduction of approximately 952 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
- Transfer of more than ₹1.66 lakh crore to farmers.
The companies stated that the programme’s economic, environmental and agricultural benefits should also be considered while evaluating the overall impact of ethanol blending.
During ESY 2025-26, ending October 31, 2026, PSU OMCs reportedly procured 1,089 crore litres of ethanol and blended 1,134 crore litres against petrol sales of approximately 5,673 crore litres.
OMCs Seek Independent Verification and Transparency
In response to the controversy, IOCL, BPCL and HPCL have requested the Karnataka government to provide complete sampling documentation, outlet-wise laboratory reports and details of the testing methodology adopted.
The companies have also sought access to counterpart samples for independent testing at an authorised laboratory using the prescribed referee method, in the presence of representatives of both the State Government and the OMCs.
The three companies have reiterated their willingness to cooperate with the Karnataka government and other competent authorities in conducting joint sampling and testing in accordance with the applicable regulations.
They have maintained that any deviation established through the prescribed procedures will be dealt with under the relevant guidelines.
The OMCs reaffirmed their commitment to fuel quality, regulatory compliance and consumer protection, asserting that E20 petrol supplied through their nationwide distribution network is monitored through established quality-assurance mechanisms.
The controversy now centres on the need for transparent, scientifically valid and independently verifiable testing to establish the actual ethanol content of petrol supplied at the concerned retail outlets.
