# E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards

> Oil firms confirm E20 petrol meets ethanol limits after Karnataka dispute.
- Title: E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards · The Economic Times
- Summary: Oil firms confirm E20 petrol meets ethanol limits after Karnataka dispute. Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL found 893 E20 samples compliant with 19-21% ethanol…
- Keywords: e20 petrol, indian oil corporation, bharat petroleum corporation, hindustan petroleum corporation, ethanol content testing, karnataka government, petroleum ministry, The Economic Times
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/e20-petrol-supplied-by-psu-oil-firms-meets-prescribed-quality-standards-oil-min/articleshow/135635580.cms
- Author: PTI
- Published: 2026-11-07T11:51:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: e20 petrol, indian oil corporation, bharat petroleum corporation, hindustan petroleum corporation, ethanol content testing, karnataka government, petroleum ministry
## Government Defends E20 Program
The government said tests of 893 samples collected across 27 states and Union Territories found them compliant with prescribed quality standards.
## Karnataka Claims Higher Ethanol
Karnataka's Department of Food claimed petrol samples contained 26-31% ethanol, contradicting the ministry's findings.
## Oil Firms Question Testing
The three OMCs said the October 2026 exercise was conducted without their representatives and lacked proper documentation.
## Ethanol Content Ranges
The ministry found ethanol content in all 893 samples within the prescribed 19-21% range under IS 17021 specification.
## Karnataka's 56 Samples
Karnataka's 56 samples recorded ethanol content of 19-20%, averaging 19.30%.
## Testing Discrepancies
OMCs noted density readings of 0.742-0.749 grams per cubic centimetre in samples with 26-31% ethanol.
## Mileage Impact Claims
The government disputes estimates of Rs 62,000 crore annual mileage losses and Rs 39,000 crore repair costs.
## Vehicle Performance Data
Vehicles calibrated for E20 could experience 1-2% mileage reductions, while others might see 3-6% declines.
## E20 Program Benefits
The program has generated foreign exchange savings of over Rs 1.97 lakh crore since 2014-15.
## Key takeaway

Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL found 893 E20 samples compliant with 19-21% ethanol standards.