'E20 turned into 420': Rahul Gandhi blasts government's ethanol-blending initiative
What's the story
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused major oil marketing companies of supplying petrol with ethanol content exceeding the 20% limit. The allegations are based on laboratory tests of fuel samples from seven districts in Karnataka. Gandhi said that 11 out of 14 samples tested at an accredited laboratory exceeded the prescribed limit. Criticizing the government's ethanol-blending initiative, Gandhi remarked, "E20 turned into 420 - stealing petrol from the public's cars!"
Accusations detailed
Gandhi names specific oil companies and sample locations
The samples were collected from Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru, and Tumakuru.
Gandhi specifically mentioned Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which had ethanol levels of 31.2% and 30.5%, respectively.
He also included Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Nayara Energy and Shell in his accusations against the fuel companies for not disclosing ethanol content in their samples.
Disputed findings
Dispute between Karnataka government and oil marketing companies
The allegations come amid a dispute between the Karnataka government and oil marketing companies over ethanol content in petrol.
Karnataka's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad said tests by the Shriram Research Institute found ethanol levels exceeding 20%.
The state government sought independent testing after reports from IOCL and BPCL's in-house laboratories didn't disclose ethanol content.
Companies' response
Public sector companies dispute Karnataka's findings
The three public sector oil marketing companies, IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, have disputed Karnataka's findings.
They said E20 petrol supplied across India conforms to Bureau of Indian Standards specification IS 17021.
The companies raised concerns over sampling processes during the October 2026 exercise, claiming their representatives weren't involved and they didn't receive retention samples or complete laboratory reports.
Compatibility issues
Concerns about ethanol-blended petrol's compatibility with vehicles
The dispute has raised questions about the quality of ethanol-blended petrol and its compatibility with vehicles.
E20 petrol contains up to 20% ethanol blended with petrol, a move aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil and lowering emissions.
However, there are concerns about higher ethanol concentrations affecting fuel efficiency and vehicle components in vehicles not designed for such blends.