Karnataka reports ethanol concentration in petrol up to 31.2%, seeks federal intervention

E20 is a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol by volume. Ethanol is an alcohol fuel that can be mixed into petrol to create a standardised blend. The E20 standard mentioned in the article sets 20% as the intended ethanol level. This matters because vehicles and fuel equipment may be designed for particular blend limits.

Blending normally happens in the fuel-supply chain before petrol reaches retail stations. The final fuel should contain the specified proportion, and testing can measure that proportion. Karnataka used gas chromatography to measure ethanol in petrol samples collected from several districts.

The tests did not consistently match the E20 level. Eleven of 14 samples contained more than 20% ethanol, including one IOCL sample at 31.2% and an HPCL Power sample at 30.5%. The state wants the Union government to explain these results and clarify the blend actually supplied to consumers.

Karnataka’s testing found a wide spread of ethanol concentrations in petrol sold across seven districts. The reported results ranged from 13.5% to 31.2% among the samples described. This is significant because the E20 standard specifies a 20% ethanol blend, while many results were higher.

The highest concentration was 31.2% in a sample collected from an Indian Oil Corporation Limited outlet. Other high results included 30.5% in HPCL Power petrol, 27% in another HPCL sample, and 26.5% in BPCL Speed petrol. These figures came from independent laboratory testing.

The results do not prove that every petrol station supplies such concentrations. The state government specifically cautioned that the findings establish ethanol content only in the samples tested. It has asked the Union government to explain the concentrations and clarify the actual blend reaching consumers.

Eleven of the 14 tested samples contained more than 20% ethanol. The other three were below that level, including one sample measured at 19.9%. This means the majority of the tested samples were above the E20 level referenced by the state government.

The results varied between companies and even within the same company. IOCL samples recorded 31.2% and 20.8%. BPCL samples ranged from 19.9% to 26.5%, while Shell samples measured 13.5% and 25.5%. HPCL results included 30.5% and 27%.

Samples came from stations in Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru. They covered IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, Nayara Energy, Shell and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited. The state said the results do not establish how widespread these concentrations are statewide.

Karnataka first sent fuel samples to the in-house laboratories of IOCL and BPCL. Those reports did not disclose ethanol content, even though the state described it as a prescribed testing parameter. That omission made it difficult to verify whether the petrol matched the E20 level.

The state then commissioned independent testing at the Shriram Research Institute in Bengaluru. The institute used gas chromatography, a laboratory method that measures the substances present in a sample. Its certificates recorded specific ethanol concentrations, including 31.2% in an IOCL sample and 30.5% in HPCL Power petrol.

Independent testing mattered because it supplied documented measurements outside the oil companies’ own laboratories. The state said the omission raised transparency concerns. However, the findings apply only to the samples tested. They do not by themselves show that similarly high concentrations exist throughout Karnataka’s or India’s fuel supply.

Petrol containing more ethanol than a vehicle was designed to handle can create practical problems. The article links higher blends with lower fuel efficiency and possible damage to vehicle components. It says 99% of India’s vehicles were not built for blends above E20, and even vehicles sold after April 2023 are certified only up to 20% ethanol.

The state estimates that motorists lose ₹62,000 crore annually through lower mileage. Its calculation assumes a 10% mileage reduction, 6,200 crore litres of annual petrol use and a price of ₹100 per litre. It separately estimates annual repair costs for vehicle components at ₹39,000 crore.

Fuel-station equipment may also face compatibility concerns. Karnataka said most dispensing units were designed for fuel containing up to 15% ethanol, and upgrades may not have occurred. These are government estimates and concerns, not proof that every vehicle or station will suffer damage.

The E20 standard provides the benchmark discussed in the article, with 20% ethanol specified in the blend. The article does not identify which authority set that standard. Oil marketing companies supply petrol through their outlets and maintain in-house laboratories, while the Karnataka government collects samples and commissions independent tests.

IOCL and BPCL laboratories tested samples first but did not report ethanol content. Karnataka then used the Shriram Research Institute and found concentrations above 20%. The state has asked the Union government to explain the results, clarify the blend supplied to consumers and act against oil marketing companies found selling petrol above 20% ethanol.

Karnataka also wants stations nationwide to display ethanol content and offer consumers a choice among available blends. It will continue testing and publishing results. The state cited the 2005 supply and distribution order as a basis for action against fuel-supply malpractices.

India’s ethanol blending programme can reduce the amount of petroleum that must be imported because some petrol is replaced with ethanol. Ethanol is also a renewable fuel, so blending can potentially reduce emissions compared with relying only on petrol. These broader benefits are not detailed in the article, but they are established reasons for fuel blending.

The main cost is lower energy content per litre. A higher ethanol share can therefore reduce mileage, especially in vehicles not designed for it. Karnataka estimates a 10% mileage reduction in its calculation and says motorists may face ₹62,000 crore in annual losses. It also estimates ₹39,000 crore in component repairs.

Compatibility is the other major trade-off. The article says 99% of vehicles were not built for blends above E20, while most dispensing units were designed for up to 15%. Karnataka’s findings therefore raise questions about testing, disclosure, vehicle protection and equipment upgrades.