Bengaluru, November 6, 2026: The Karnataka government has raised concerns over ethanol blending in petrol after laboratory tests found ethanol content as high as 31.2%, significantly above the 20% level associated with E20 petrol.

At a press conference, Karnataka Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad released test reports from NABL-accredited and ISO-certified laboratories, including Shriram Research Institute in Bengaluru.

According to the state government's findings, petrol samples collected from several districts, including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Ramanagara and Mangaluru, showed ethanol concentrations exceeding 20%.

Petrol Samples Show Ethanol Content Above 20%

The laboratory findings released by the Karnataka government reported the following ethanol percentages in selected samples:

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL): 31.2% ethanol in one sample.
• Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL): 30.5% in one MS-Power sample and 27% in another sample.
• Bharat Petroleum (BPCL): 26.5%, with other samples recording 24.2% and 22.6%.
• Nayara Energy: 26.1% ethanol.
• Shell: 25.5% ethanol in one sample.

Of approximately 14 samples examined in the reported independent laboratory results, 11 contained more than 20% ethanol.

However, not all samples exceeded that level. One Shell sample reportedly contained 13.5% ethanol, while an MRPL sample recorded 19.2%.

63 Petrol Samples Collected Across Karnataka

The state government collected a total of 63 petrol samples from different locations.

According to the minister, the oil companies' in-house laboratory reports did not clearly disclose the ethanol percentages. The government subsequently arranged testing through independent laboratories to determine the actual blending levels.

The findings have raised questions about whether petrol marketed under the E20 category contains ethanol in excess of the stated blending level.

Concerns Over Mileage and Vehicle Components

The Karnataka government has warned that higher-than-expected ethanol concentrations could affect vehicle mileage and increase operating expenses for consumers.

Concerns have also been raised about possible effects on engines and fuel-system components, including rubber parts, particularly in vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends.

However, the laboratory findings alone do not establish that the tested fuel has caused damage to individual vehicles. The actual impact would depend on vehicle compatibility, fuel composition and operating conditions.

Karnataka Seeks Central Government Intervention

The state government has called upon the Union government to examine the findings and take appropriate action.

It has also demanded greater transparency in ethanol blending, including displaying the actual ethanol percentage at petrol pumps so consumers know what they are purchasing.

Another proposal involves establishing a compensation fund for consumers who may suffer financial losses or vehicle-related problems linked to excessive ethanol blending.

Oil Companies' Detailed Response Awaited

The reported findings are based on laboratory tests released by the Karnataka government. A detailed public response or rebuttal from the Union government and the oil companies concerned was not available in the information cited at the time of reporting.

Independent verification or a wider national investigation could help establish whether the reported blending levels represent isolated cases or a broader fuel-quality issue.

India's E20 petrol policy has already generated debate over fuel efficiency and compatibility with older vehicles. The Karnataka findings have brought renewed attention to the need for transparent fuel testing and consumer protection.

Sources: The Indian Express, The Hindu, CNBC-TV18 and statements attributed to the Karnataka government.