Karnataka's '30% ethanol' claim stirs row as OMCs junk 'test'
Public sector oil marketing companies have rejected claims by the Karnataka government that petrol sold in the state contains excessive ethanol levels. The companies argue that the state's testing methodology was flawed and inconsistent with national statutory standards.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions between state-level regulatory claims and national fuel quality standards, impacting consumer trust in energy infrastructure.
NEW DELHI: Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) on Friday hit back at Congress-led Karnataka govt's claims that petrol tested by labs authorised by it had found ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20% limit, and said the findings were not supported by tests conducted under statutory and technical procedures.Karnataka food, civil supplies and legal metrology minister Rizwan Arshad had claimed that tests conducted by its authorised laboratories on petrol samples from across the state were "alarming", showing ethanol content as high as 31.2%.Late in the evening, rebutting the claims, the three oil retailers - Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation - questioned the sampling and testing methodology adopted during an Oct exercise by the state govt, arguing that the procedure did not follow the requirements laid down under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Control Order, 2005, and Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG), 2024.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Karnataka Alleges Excessive Ethanol Blending in Petrol Across State
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Karnataka finds ethanol blending of up to 31.2% in petrol, seeks explanation from Union government
'E20 Actually Has Over 30% Ethanol': Karnataka Minister Cites Petrol Tests, Demands Consumer Relief Fund
Lab tests show ethanol blend in E20 petrol as high as 31% in Karnataka
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