Oil Marketing Companies Dispute Karnataka's E20 Ethanol Blend Report

State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have rejected Karnataka's findings that petrol contained up to 31% ethanol, arguing the state's testing failed to follow statutory procedures. While the OMCs' own tests of 56 samples averaged 19.3% ethanol, they asserted that the government's use of gas chromatography lacked necessary validation against IS 17021 standards.

The OMCs have requested complete documentation, outlet-wise reports, and access to samples for retesting. They highlighted a density discrepancy in the state's data, noting that higher ethanol concentrations should increase fuel density, and reaffirmed their commitment to joint testing under the Marketing Discipline Guidelines.

Editor's note: Provides a comprehensive summary of the OMCs' technical and procedural objections.