Karnataka Ethanol in Petrol Samples: The Karnataka government has raised concerns over the quality of petrol being sold across the state after laboratory tests reportedly found ethanol levels much higher than the permitted 20% limit. Some samples contained as much as 31.2% ethanol, according to Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, November 6, Arshad said the Department of Legal Metrology had collected 63 petrol samples from seven districts. These included Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.
The samples were sent to Bengaluru-based Shriram Research Institute for independent testing. The laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and is ISO-certified. The results raised concerns about fuel supplied by major companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), Nayara Energy and Shell.
Petrol Samples Show Ethanol Levels Above 20% Limit
The highest ethanol level was found in an IOCL petrol sample at 31.2%. An HPCL Power sample recorded 30.5%, while regular HPCL petrol contained 27% ethanol. Other high readings included 26.5% in BPCL Speed, 26.1% in Nayara and 25.5% in Shell petrol.
Other tested samples also showed levels above the 20% limit. These included 24.2% and 22.6% in BPCL petrol, 22.4% in HPCL, 20.8% in IOCL and 20.6% in Nayara.
Three samples recorded lower levels, with BPCL at 19.9%, MRPL at 19.2% and Shell at 13.5%.
Arshad also questioned the reports given by oil companies during the initial testing. According to him, samples were first sent to the in-house laboratories of IOCL and BPCL. But their reports didn’t mention the ethanol percentage even though it was an important testing requirement. The department then decided to use an independent laboratory.
Minister Warns of ₹1.01 Lakh Crore Burden on Consumers
Arshad said higher ethanol levels could affect vehicle performance and increase repair costs. He estimated that excess blending could put an annual financial burden of nearly ₹1.01 lakh crore on Indian consumers.
According to his calculation, India uses around 6,200 crore litres of petrol every year. A possible 10% loss in mileage could cost motorists around ₹62,000 crore annually. Another ₹39,000 crore could be spent on repairing vehicle parts damaged by unsuitable fuel.
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The minister also said nearly 99% of India’s 35 crore vehicles weren’t designed to use petrol with more than 20% ethanol. Even vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are certified for blends of up to E20, while most petrol dispensing machines are technically certified to handle blends of up to 15%.
Karnataka Demands Compensation and Clear Information at Petrol Pumps
The Karnataka government has now approached the Union Ministers for Road Transport and Highways and Petroleum and Natural Gas. It wants the Centre to explain the actual ethanol levels in petrol being supplied across India and take strict action against companies found breaking the rules.
The state has also proposed an E20 Spoilage Fund to help vehicle owners get compensation if higher ethanol levels damage their vehicles. It wants a clear system through which eligible motorists can claim money for repairs.
Another demand is to make petrol pumps display the exact ethanol percentage on their dispensing machines. This would allow customers to know what they’re buying before filling their vehicles.
