Key Facts

Karnataka has defended third-party laboratory test results showing ethanol concentrations as high as 31.2% in E20 petrol sold in the state, well above the government-prescribed blending limit of 20%, after oil marketing companies (OMCs) IOCL, BPCL and HPCL disputed the state's sampling and testing methodology. Karnataka food and civil supplies minister Rizwan Arshad said the state had used NABL-accredited third-party laboratories after the OMCs' own laboratories failed to report ethanol percentages for an initial 63 samples, and alleged that excess blending of up to 30% was occurring at six fuel terminals before distribution, not at retail pumps; he said the state would seek discounted prices for E20 petrol given that higher ethanol content reduces vehicle mileage. Following Karnataka's findings, the Kerala government also began collecting petrol samples from fuel outlets in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts for independent testing, with results expected within ten days. Union minister of state for petroleum Suresh Gopi said states were free to conduct their own tests but should avoid turning the issue into political mudslinging, asserting that the Centre had permitted 20% ethanol blending after assessing its scientific feasibility.

GK Context

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, under which India achieved 20% ethanol blending (E20) nationally in 2025 (ahead of the original 2030 target), aims to reduce crude oil import dependence, cut carbon emissions and support the sugarcane and grain-based ethanol industry, but has drawn consumer complaints about reduced fuel efficiency and, as in this dispute, concerns about blending levels exceeding the prescribed cap, which would mean consumers effectively pay for a different fuel composition than intended under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order.