New Delhi, November 2026 : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has issued a clarification over concerns regarding the ethanol content of E20 petrol after a photograph of a fuel-testing demonstration in Karnataka circulated on social media, triggering questions about the quality of ethanol-blended petrol.
The public sector oil marketing company said the photograph showed an intermediate stage of the ethanol separation test and was not the final reading. BPCL maintained that the sample used in the demonstration complied with the prescribed quality specifications.
The company reiterated that E20 petrol supplied through its retail outlets conforms to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 17021. It said fuel quality is monitored through established quality assurance mechanisms to ensure compliance with the applicable standards.
Key Highlights
E20 petrol quality: BPCL said fuel supplied through its retail outlets complies with BIS specification IS 17021.
Testing procedure: The ethanol separation demonstration involves mixing 100 ml of E20 petrol with 30 ml of water.
Viral photograph: The image circulating online was taken before the separation process was completed and did not represent the final test result.
Final test result: BPCL confirmed that the sample shown in the demonstration was within prescribed specifications.
Nationwide monitoring: A total of 893 E20 petrol samples were tested across 27 States and Union Territories.
BPCL's contribution: Of the 893 samples, 280 were tested by BPCL, and all were found to meet the prescribed requirements.
Permitted ethanol content: The prescribed ethanol range for E20 petrol is 19–21%.
BPCL Responds to Concerns Over E20 Petrol Testing
The controversy followed a consumer awareness initiative conducted by BPCL officers at various BPCL Energy Stations across Karnataka. The demonstrations were intended to explain the ethanol separation test and address questions raised by consumers about the quality and composition of E20 petrol.
Following the circulation of the photograph, BPCL explained that the image had been inadvertently captured and shared before the testing procedure was complete. The officer concerned subsequently removed the post after realising that it could be misinterpreted.
The company emphasised that the sample tested during the demonstration was found to be within the prescribed specifications.
How the E20 Ethanol Separation Test Works
BPCL explained that the demonstration involves a specific procedure to separate ethanol from petrol and assess the ethanol content.
The process includes the following steps:
Sample collection: A 100 ml sample of E20 Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit (EBMS) is taken for testing.
Water addition: Around 30 ml of water is added to the petrol sample.
Initial mixing: The mixture may appear hazy or milky during the initial stage. BPCL said this is a normal part of the testing process.
Separation period: The mixture is allowed to stand so that the ethanol-water layer and petrol layer can separate completely.
Final reading: The ethanol content is assessed only after the separation process is complete.
BPCL clarified that taking a reading before the two layers have separated completely can lead to an incorrect interpretation of the test result. Therefore, photographs showing the initial or intermediate stages should not be treated as the final outcome.
Nationwide E20 Petrol Quality Monitoring
BPCL also cited the findings of an ongoing fuel quality monitoring exercise conducted by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in coordination with the Centre for High Technology (CHT).
According to the company, 893 E20 petrol samples collected from 27 States and Union Territories were tested. All the samples were found to be within the prescribed ethanol content range of 19–21%.
The company said 280 samples were tested by BPCL as part of the exercise, with every sample meeting the applicable quality requirements.
E20 Petrol Quality Monitoring: Key Details
| Monitoring Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total E20 petrol samples tested | 893 |
| States and Union Territories covered | 27 |
| Samples tested by BPCL | 280 |
| Prescribed ethanol content range | 19–21% |
| Samples within prescribed range | All 893 |
| BPCL samples meeting specifications | All 280 |
BPCL Reaffirms Commitment to Fuel Quality and Consumer Confidence
BPCL said it remains committed to maintaining fuel quality, transparency and consumer confidence. It reiterated that E20 petrol supplied through its retail network is subject to established quality monitoring procedures and must comply with applicable BIS standards.
The clarification is aimed at helping consumers understand the ethanol separation testing process and avoid drawing conclusions from images captured before the test is completed.
The company also sought to reassure consumers by highlighting the results of the nationwide monitoring exercise. According to BPCL, the findings from 893 samples across 27 States and Union Territories demonstrate compliance with the prescribed ethanol content range.
The clarification comes amid public discussions over E20 petrol, its ethanol composition and fuel quality. BPCL has maintained that the photograph from Karnataka did not reflect the final test result and that the sample in question met the required specifications.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
