Karnataka finds ethanol content above E20 limit in petrol samples, seeks action against OMCs

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Friday accused public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) of supplying petrol with ethanol content above the mandated 20% limit and sought action against the oil companies for taking consumers for a ride.

Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs minister Rizwan Arshad said tests conducted on 63 petrol samples collected across seven districts found ethanol levels exceeding the E20 threshold. Some samples from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) contained 31.2% ethanol, while samples from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) showed 30.5%. Violations were detected in Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru districts.

Arshad told the media that the state would submit its findings to the Centre and seek action against the OMCs. He also demanded the creation of an E20 compensation fund for consumers, mandatory disclosure of ethanol content at fuel stations and the option for motorists to purchase E10 petrol.


The samples were initially tested in laboratories operated by IOCL and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL). However, the state alleged that the reports returned by the companies did not disclose ethanol percentages, prompting authorities to commission independent testing through NABL-accredited and ISO-certified Shriram Research Institute in Bengaluru.

The independent tests, an official statement said, confirmed ethanol levels above permissible limits in samples collected from outlets operated by IOCL, HPCL, BPCL and private fuel retailers.

Arshad said the findings raised concerns for vehicle owners, noting that most vehicles on Indian roads are not designed for ethanol blends exceeding E20. Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are certified only up to the E20 standard, he said.

Citing departmental estimates, the government claimed excessive blending could impose a significant economic burden through reduced fuel efficiency and higher vehicle maintenance costs due to accelerated wear of components such as fuel filters, pumps, injectors, hoses and rubber seals.

The state urged the Union Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Road Transport and Highways to clarify actual blending levels nationwide and impose penalties on non-compliant OMCs. Karnataka said it would continue its statewide inspection drive under "Mission Nikhara".