Rahul Gandhi alleges petrol in Karnataka has over 20% ethanol

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has accused oil marketing companies of supplying petrol with ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20% limit in Karnataka.

In a post on X on Saturday, Gandhi said 11 of 14 fuel samples collected from seven districts and tested at an accredited laboratory recorded ethanol levels above the permitted limit.

Samples from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) reportedly recorded ethanol concentrations of 31.2% and 30.5%, respectively. Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), Nayara Energy and Shell were also among the companies whose fuel samples were tested.

Gandhi questioned the Centre over the violations and demanded action against companies exceeding the blending limit.

The allegations come amid a dispute between the Karnataka government and oil marketing companies over ethanol levels in petrol. Earlier, the state government had cited tests by the Shriram Research Institute in Bengaluru that reportedly found several samples exceeding the 20% limit.

However, IOCL, BPCL and HPCL have disputed the findings, maintaining that E20 petrol supplied across the country complies with Bureau of Indian Standards specification IS 17021. The companies also questioned the sampling procedures and sought access to laboratory reports and samples for independent verification.

E20 petrol contains up to 20% ethanol. The Centre promotes ethanol blending to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, and support domestic producers. However, concerns have been raised over fuel efficiency and compatibility with older vehicles.