The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that E20 petrol supplied by public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) across the country meets prescribed quality standards. The clarification follows a press release from the Government of Karnataka claiming that petrol at certain retail outlets contained between 26% and 31% ethanol.
According to the Ministry, OMCs Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited clarified that the claims are not supported by testing conducted under statutory and technical procedures. Under the Quality Coordination Cell exercise, 893 E20 samples across 27 States and Union Territories were tested, and all samples were found within the prescribed ethanol content range of 19% to 21%. Specifically, all 56 samples tested in Karnataka conformed to specifications, showing ethanol content between 19% and 20%.
OMCs have sought joint sampling and independent testing under prescribed standards to verify the reported ethanol levels in Karnataka. The Ministry highlighted that ethanol blending follows automated, calibrated systems at refineries and depots, and the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has delivered wider economic, environmental, and agricultural benefits, including foreign-exchange savings and payments to farmers.
What it means
- 893 E20 samples tested across 27 States and Union Territories were found within the prescribed ethanol content range of 19% to 21%.
- All 56 samples tested in Karnataka conformed to prescribed specifications with ethanol content between 19% and 20%.
- OMCs have requested the Government of Karnataka to share complete sampling documentation, laboratory reports, and access to counterpart samples for independent testing.
Source
Press Information Bureau, Government of India, “E20 Petrol Supplied by PSU Oil Marketing Companies Meets Prescribed Quality Standards; 893 Samples Across 27 States and UTs Found Compliant”. Read the original release.
Summary of an official release for general information only. Not investment advice. Read the original source before acting on any information.
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