Mumbai, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has clarified concerns circulating on social media over the ethanol content of E20 petrol, explaining that a photograph shared during a consumer awareness demonstration in Karnataka showed an incomplete stage of the testing process.
The oil marketing company said E20 petrol supplied through its retail outlets is monitored under established quality assurance mechanisms and complies with the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications under IS 17021.
As part of its consumer awareness initiative, BPCL officers have been demonstrating the ethanol separation test at various Energy Stations across Karnataka to address public queries about ethanol-blended petrol.
Explaining the procedure, BPCL said the test involves mixing 100 ml of E20 Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit (EBMS) with 30 ml of water to separate ethanol from petrol. The mixture initially turns hazy or milky, which is a normal part of the process. The ethanol-water and petrol layers require time to separate completely before the final reading can be taken.
Regarding the photograph that triggered questions, BPCL said it had been captured and shared inadvertently before the separation process was complete. The image therefore showed an intermediate stage rather than the final test result. The officer removed the post after realising the possibility of misinterpretation, the company said.
BPCL added that the sample tested in the demonstration was found to be within the prescribed specifications.
The company also cited a wider quality monitoring exercise conducted by Oil Marketing Companies in coordination with the Centre for High Technology (CHT). The exercise covered 893 E20 samples across 27 States and Union Territories, with all samples reportedly meeting the prescribed ethanol content range of 19–21 per cent.
Of these, 280 samples were tested by BPCL, which said the results reaffirmed compliance with the applicable quality standards.
The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining fuel quality, transparency and consumer confidence.
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