E20 petrol row: Karnataka claims ethanol above the limit; Petroleum Ministry says all 893 samples were within range
Kerala has begun random checks at petrol pumps, and oil companies want joint sampling.
- Karnataka: 67 sites tested; Centre: 893 samples
- Centre: all within 19-21%
- Kerala results due in about 10 days
Karnataka's claim
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said petrol samples from 67 locations were tested. The state says samples from seven districts showed ethanol above the 20% E20 limit, up to 31.2% in an Indian Oil sample and 30.5% in a Hindustan Petroleum sample. It also reports thousands of complaints about reduced mileage and engines stalling.
The other side
Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL reject the allegations, saying their E20 petrol meets the IS 17021 specification, and asked for joint sampling and independent verification. On 7 November the Petroleum Ministry said all 893 samples across 27 states and Union Territories were within 19% to 21%, including all 56 samples from Karnataka (19% to 20%).
Kerala
Kerala has ordered random inspections at pumps in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur, with lab results expected in 10 days. Minister Anoop Jacob said no confirmed excess blending has been reported so far.
