​​​​​​​New Delhi, November 6: Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) have defended the quality of E20 petrol, questioning the testing procedures behind Karnataka government's claim that petrol at certain outlets contained 26–31% ethanol.

The three oil marketing companies (OMCs) said E20 petrol supplied across the country, including Karnataka, complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 17021.

They alleged that the October 2026 testing exercise did not follow prescribed sampling and testing procedures. According to the companies, samples were collected without their representatives, and they have not received complete laboratory reports or retained samples for independent verification.

The OMCs also questioned the third-party laboratory certificates, stating that they lacked essential details about the testing methods required under BIS standards.

Rejecting Karnataka's estimated ₹1.01 lakh crore annual consumer losses from reduced mileage and vehicle repairs, the companies said the estimates were based on blanket assumptions rather than established technical evidence. They pointed out that over 30 crore two-wheelers and four crore four-wheelers have been using E20 fuel for more than three years without reports of widespread vehicle problems.

The three companies have urged the Karnataka government to share complete sampling records, laboratory reports and testing methods. They have also sought access to retained samples for independent testing at an authorised laboratory in the presence of government and OMC representatives.