Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL dispute Karnataka 31% ethanol claim
Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation are disputing Karnataka's recent claim that petrol sold at some retail outlets in the state had up to 31% ethanol.
According to them, their own tests (on 56 samples) stuck to the national standard of 19% to 21% ethanol.
They also called out Karnataka's testing process for being unclear and lacking solid documentation.
Oil companies seek Karnataka records, retesting
The companies are asking Karnataka to share all sampling records and lab results so things can be double-checked.
They're pushing for independent retesting with everyone present, especially since reported fuel density didn't match what extra ethanol would cause.
The firms also pointed out there haven't been major vehicle issues linked to E20 fuel use and reassured that blending is automated with no incentive to go over limits: The prescribed proportions are maintained.