Suryaa National Desk: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that E20 petrol supplied by public sector oil marketing companies across various parts of the country fully complies with prescribed quality standards. The government has refuted reports alleging that the fuel sold in certain regions contains excessive ethanol.
Officials stated that samples collected from selected retail outlets nationwide, including Karnataka, underwent rigorous testing and were found to be in accordance with specified norms. Oil companies confirmed that E20 petrol sales are conducted in compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.
Regarding allegations of high ethanol content in samples from Karnataka, companies stated that these claims were not based on scientific or legal procedures. They noted that the reports lacked factual basis as they did not follow standardized sample collection or laboratory testing methods.
Approximately 893 E20 petrol samples were collected from depots and retail outlets across 27 states and union territories and tested in quality control laboratories. This comprehensive examination confirmed that all samples contained ethanol within the specified range. Experts concluded that samples from Karnataka were also free of defects and met quality standards.
Oil companies stated that creating misconceptions about ethanol blending is inappropriate, noting that the process is managed through automated systems. The Ministry reiterated that the ethanol blending program continues successfully, aiming to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, promote the domestic agricultural sector, and protect the environment.
