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Explained: What is the ethanol issue in Karnataka and why have OMCs rejected the state govt's excess blending claims?

Mint Nov 07, 2026 at 01:50 PM IST Business
Explained: What is the ethanol issue in...

AI summary

State-run oil marketers Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum say Karnataka’s tests showing 26‑31% ethanol in petrol are invalid, citing improper sampling and lack of verification. They assert their E20 fuel complies with BIS standards and cite a separate audit of 893 samples that stayed within the 20% limit.

Key takeaways

  • OMCs claim Karnataka’s October sampling excluded their representatives and violated the 2005 regulation and MDG 2024.
  • The state reported ethanol levels up to 31.2% in samples from seven districts, exceeding the 20% E20 limit.
  • OMCs cite a joint quality test of 893 samples across India, including 56 from Karnataka, all within 19‑21% ethanol.
  • They argue the certificates used by Karnataka lack required details on dilution, standards, and reference material for gas chromatography.
Read the original at Mint

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