Karnataka Ethanol Controversy: Petrol Contains Up to 31.2% Ethanol? Rahul Gandhi Attacks Modi Government as Centre and State Clash

Karnataka Government Reports Excess Ethanol in Petrol

The Karnataka government conducted inspections of petrol samples collected from fuel stations across seven districts, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.

According to the findings announced by Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad, 11 out of 14 tested samples reportedly contained ethanol above the prescribed 20% limit.

The reported findings included:

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL): Up to 31.2% ethanol.

• Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL): Up to 30.5% ethanol.

• Other samples from BPCL, Nayara Energy and Shell outlets also reportedly showed levels above the prescribed limit.

The findings have raised questions about whether motorists are receiving petrol that meets the required fuel-quality standards.

The Karnataka government has clarified that it is not opposing ethanol blending itself. Its concern is whether oil companies are following the prescribed limits and protecting consumers.

Rahul Gandhi's 'E20 Turns Into 420' Attack

The controversy took a political turn after Rahul Gandhi reacted to the Karnataka government's findings through a post on X on November 7.

Taking a sharp dig at the Centre's ethanol-blending programme, Rahul Gandhi described the controversy with the phrase "E20 turns into 420".

He questioned how petrol containing more than the prescribed ethanol percentage could reach consumers and demanded accountability from major oil companies.

Rahul Gandhi also raised concerns about the possible impact on vehicle mileage, maintenance expenses and engine performance.

He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the actual ethanol content in petrol being supplied to consumers and demanded action against companies found violating fuel-quality standards.

His remarks have turned the issue into a fresh political challenge for the BJP-led Union Government.

Centre and Oil Companies Reject Karnataka's Findings

The controversy has become more complicated because public-sector oil marketing companies have strongly disputed Karnataka's reported laboratory findings.

Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum issued a joint clarification, maintaining that the E20 petrol supplied by them meets the prescribed Bureau of Indian Standards specifications.

The companies questioned the sampling and testing procedures followed in Karnataka, arguing that the samples were collected without their representatives being present.

They also demanded complete laboratory reports, outlet-wise details and access to corresponding samples for independent verification.

The companies cited a separate testing exercise involving 893 samples from 27 states and Union Territories. According to their statement, all samples were within the prescribed ethanol range of 19% to 21%.

They further stated that 56 samples tested in Karnataka recorded ethanol levels between 19% and 20%, with an average of 19.30%.