E20 Petrol Controversy: Rahul Gandhi Calls It ‘420’, Alleges Petrol Theft from People's Cars

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday targeted the Narendra Modi government over the supply of E20 petrol, demanding an immediate clarification on the actual ethanol content in fuel being sold across the country. Citing test results of petrol samples collected by the Karnataka government, he alleged that the ethanol content in several samples was significantly higher than the prescribed limit.

In a Hindi post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “E20 has become 420 – petrol is being stolen from people's cars!” His remark referred to Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cheating and fraud.

Rahul Gandhi Cites Karnataka Lab Test Results

Rahul Gandhi alleged that while the government claims to blend 20 per cent ethanol in petrol, tests conducted on samples collected from seven districts of Karnataka found ethanol levels considerably above the prescribed limit.

Quoting the findings of tests conducted at an accredited laboratory, he said that 11 out of 14 samples contained more than 20 per cent ethanol. According to the figures cited by him, samples from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) recorded 31.2 per cent ethanol, while Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) samples contained 30.5 per cent.

He alleged that both government-owned and private companies had exceeded the prescribed limit. Rahul Gandhi also expressed concern that excessive ethanol blending could reduce vehicle mileage and increase maintenance costs.

He further challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold an open debate on the issue.

Karnataka Minister Seeks Action Against Oil Marketing Companies

Earlier, on Friday, Karnataka Food, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Minister Rizwan Arshad held a press conference and demanded action against oil marketing companies (OMCs).

He said petrol samples collected from several districts, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru, were tested at the NABL-accredited Sriram Research Institute in Bengaluru. The tests reportedly found ethanol content significantly higher than the prescribed limits.

Oil Companies Reject Karnataka Government's Allegations

Meanwhile, government-owned oil companies Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have strongly rejected the allegations made by the Karnataka government.

In a joint statement, the companies said that the E20 petrol supplied by them complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 17021, which prescribes an ethanol content range of 19 to 21 per cent.

The companies also questioned the methods used for sample collection and testing, arguing that the process did not follow the required legal and technical procedures.

Government Cites Benefits of Ethanol Blending Programme

According to government figures, the Ethanol Blending Programme has helped India save foreign exchange reserves worth Rs 1.97 lakh crore so far. The programme has also resulted in payments of more than Rs 1.66 lakh crore to farmers.

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