New Delhi, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Public sector oil marketing companies Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) have rejected allegations of excessive ethanol blending in petrol at some retail outlets in Karnataka, maintaining that nationwide testing found ethanol content within the prescribed limits.
The companies said all 893 petrol samples tested across 27 States and Union Territories, including 56 samples collected in Karnataka, complied with the prescribed ethanol blending range of 19-21 per cent.
The clarification follows claims that ethanol content at certain petrol pumps in Karnataka had reached 26-31 per cent, exceeding the permitted range for E20 fuel.
In a statement on X, Indian Oil said the allegations were not supported by tests conducted through prescribed procedures. It added that the three oil companies had sought joint and transparent testing with the Karnataka government to establish the facts.
HPCL also reiterated that all 893 samples tested, including those from Karnataka, were found to be within the prescribed range. BPCL and HPCL have similarly maintained that the allegations were not substantiated by testing.
The companies said ethanol blending at refineries and depots is carried out through automated and calibrated systems, with fuel quality checks conducted before supplies reach retail outlets. They maintained that the petrol supplied to consumers conforms to the prescribed IS 17021 quality standard.
The oil companies also urged consumers to rely on verified information from official sources, reiterating their commitment to fuel quality and transparency.
Meanwhile, shares of the three public sector oil companies ended higher on the BSE. Indian Oil closed at Rs 146.10, BPCL at Rs 319 and HPCL at Rs 386, with gains of up to 1.61 per cent.
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