Centre questions Karnataka's Ethanol testing process. So what is the prescribed procedure
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- ✓The Centre questioned Karnataka’s ethanol testing process after the state claimed petrol contained 26-31 percent ethanol.
- ✓The Ministry of Petroleum and OMCs said the sampling and laboratory methods used in the October 2026 exercise were wrong.
- ✓They noted that rules require specific procedures to ensure dealers can verify all findings.
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- Indian Markets
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- ThePrint
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- 5 Minute(s)
- Market Focus
- India Economy
These procedures have come under scrutiny following Karnataka's Congress government claiming that petrol sold at certain retail outlets in the state contained 26-31 percent ethanol, significantly above the prescribed E20 limit of 20 percent ethanol.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the three public sector OMCs -- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) -- have questioned both the sampling process and the laboratory methods used in Karnataka's October 2026 exercise.
The latest controversy comes amid wider concerns over E20 petrol. In July, the policy faced criticism over possible mileage losses, particularly in older vehicles. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) also flagged fuel-quality concerns, including chloride contamination and moisture, in a communication to the petroleum ministry. It later withdrew the communication, saying some figures needed further authentication.
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