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Karnataka Ethanol Petrol Dispute: State Stands by Tests, Oil Firms Object

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Karnataka stands by its findings of excess ethanol in petrol, while oil companies dispute the tests and seek joint independent verification.

By News National Editorial Team

The dispute over ethanol blending in petrol has intensified in Karnataka, with the state government standing by its findings of ethanol levels above the prescribed 20 per cent limit while public-sector oil marketing companies have challenged the testing methods.

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad said on November 9 that the government would not withdraw its findings. The state had reported that tests of 63 petrol samples collected from seven districts showed ethanol levels exceeding 20 per cent in several samples.

The state reported levels of up to 31.2 per cent in a sample associated with Indian Oil Corporation, 30.5 per cent in one associated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and 26.5 per cent in one associated with Bharat Petroleum Corporation. The samples were collected from areas including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.

The controversy follows complaints from motorists about reduced fuel efficiency, vehicle performance problems and engines stalling. Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar separately said petrol samples had been collected and tested at 67 locations across Karnataka.

However, the oil marketing companies have disputed the state's conclusions and questioned its sampling and testing procedures. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on November 7 that 893 samples tested across 27 states and Union Territories complied with the prescribed specifications. This included 56 Karnataka samples, which recorded ethanol content between 19 and 20 per cent in the companies' testing exercise.

The Centre also raised questions about the methodology used in Karnataka's October sampling exercise and said the oil companies had requested access to the relevant documentation and retained samples for independent verification.

The two sides therefore present different test results. The state's reported findings and the oil companies' nationwide testing data have not yet been reconciled through a jointly verified process.

The dispute is important for vehicle owners because ethanol concentration and vehicle compatibility are relevant to fuel performance. However, consumers should not assume that every petrol pump is supplying fuel above the prescribed limit based on the disputed findings.

The state has called for further accountability and transparency, while the oil companies have sought joint sampling and testing under the prescribed procedures.

A transparent independent verification process could help establish whether any fuel-quality violations occurred and determine what action, if necessary, should follow.

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