The Karnataka government says some petrol sold in the state contains more ethanol than allowed.
The state released its test results at a press conference.
The highest reading was 31.2 percent, against a permitted limit of 20 percent.
Three public sector oil companies have rejected these findings.
Indian Oil Corporation, or IOCL, along with Bharat Petroleum Corporation, or BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, or HPCL, issued a joint statement on Friday.
They say the tests did not follow the prescribed procedure.
Cartoq reported the joint statement. The South First and Deccan Herald also carried the companies' response.
Key points
- Karnataka says samples from several districts showed ethanol above the 20 percent limit.
- The oil companies say the state did not follow the required sampling rules.
- The companies say 893 samples across 27 states and UTs were within the prescribed range.
- They have asked for joint, transparent testing with the state government.
What is the state actually claiming?
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad alleged that petrol from several parts of the state had ethanol well above the permitted level.
He said samples were collected from Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.
One IOCL sample reportedly recorded the highest reading of 31.2 percent.
The state has called for action against oil companies supplying such petrol.
Why do the oil companies say the tests are wrong?
The companies point to a set procedure under the 2005 Control Order and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines of 2024.
These rules require six one-litre samples to be taken from an outlet.
Two samples go to the dealer. Two are kept by the oil company or the department.
The last two go to a laboratory specified under the Control Order. Sample labels must be jointly signed.
- 1Six one-litre samples takenSamples are collected from a fuel outlet under the 2005 Control Order and 2024 guidelines.
- 2Two samples to the dealerTwo of the six one-litre samples go to the dealer.
- 3Two kept by company or departmentThe oil company or the department keeps the next two samples as retention samples.
- 4Two sent to a specified labThe last two samples go to a laboratory specified under the Control Order.
- 5Labels jointly signedSample labels must be jointly signed. The companies say Karnataka's sampling did not follow this.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The companies say Karnataka's October 2026 exercise did not follow this process.
They say their representatives were not present during sample collection.
They also say they did not receive retention samples, outlet details or lab reports.
Deccan Herald reported that the certificates cited by the state do not name the test standard, dilution method or reference material used.
The companies say their E20 petrol meets IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification.
So why does this matter for petrol buyers?
E20 is the petrol blend set under Union government rules.
Buyers in Karnataka are now hearing two very different claims about the same fuel.
The companies have urged customers to rely only on official sources.
They have asked for joint testing with the state government, to settle the facts.
The sources do not say when or whether that testing will happen.
Explainer
What happened before
- In October 2026, Karnataka tested petrol samples collected from several districts.
- At a press conference, the state released results showing ethanol levels up to 31.2 percent.
- The state has called for action against oil companies supplying petrol with ethanol above the prescribed limit.
Why it matters
The E20 blend is set under Union government rules, so the dispute affects petrol buyers across Karnataka.
What to watch next
- The oil companies have asked for joint, transparent testing with the state government. The sources do not say when this will happen.
Sources
- Deccan Herald: 'Tests not as per norms': Oil Ministry disputes Karnataka’s claim of excess ethanol in petrol
- The South First: OMCs reject Karnataka’s claims of high levels of ethanol in petrol; allege testing not based on prescribed standards
- Cartoq: IOCL, BPCL And HPCL Reject Karnataka Govt's '31% Ethanol In Petrol' Report
