Karnataka says tests found up to 31.2% ethanol in petrol against the 20% limit; outlets differ on sample counts

The Karnataka government alleged on Friday, 6 November, that major oil marketing companies were supplying petrol with ethanol above the prescribed 20% limit, with tests recording up to 31.2%, and sought action against them, per The Economic Times and The News Minute. This piece is as of the evening of 6 November.

What the state says

Minister Rizwan Arshad said the findings were based on petrol samples collected from Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru, per The Economic Times, which says the test results were issued by Shriram Research Institute in Bengaluru, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Samples from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) recorded 31.2% and 30.5%; the Economic Times lists further readings from 27% down to 20.6% for Nayara, and three below the limit: 19.9% for BPCL, 19.2% for MRPL and 13.5% for Shell. According to The News Minute, Arshad said the testing began after motorists complained of reduced mileage and frequent repairs. He said samples were first sent to the in-house laboratories of IOCL and BPCL, whose reports did not disclose ethanol content, and that the companies did not answer a state questionnaire on it, so the state used private accredited labs.

Where the reports differ

South First reports test results showing ethanol above 20% in 11 of 14 samples, and lists three below it: 19.9% in BPCL petrol, 19.2% in MRPL petrol and 13.5% in Shell petrol; The Economic Times lists the same 14 readings. The News Minute says the state tested 63 samples and that nearly four in five showed ethanol above 20%. CNBC-TV18 also says 63 samples, and that four out of five petrol pumps surveyed showed ethanol above 20%. We have not reconciled the 14 and 63 figures.

What the state wants

South First says the state has demanded a probe, public disclosure of ethanol levels at petrol pumps, action against oil companies supplying fuel above the E20 limit and compensation for affected vehicle owners. CNBC-TV18 says the laboratory report will be forwarded to the Centre for further examination.