Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has clarified concerns over the ethanol content of E20 petrol following social media posts about a fuel-testing demonstration in Karnataka. The company said the photograph circulating online showed an intermediate stage of the ethanol separation test, not its final reading. BPCL confirmed that the tested sample met prescribed specifications.
BPCL Responds to Concerns Over E20 Petrol Testing
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has issued a clarification regarding reports and social media posts questioning the ethanol content of E20 petrol. The discussion followed a photograph shared as part of the company’s consumer awareness initiative in Karnataka.
BPCL stated that the quality of E20 petrol supplied through its retail outlets is monitored through established quality assurance mechanisms and in accordance with the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 17021.
The company said its officers have been conducting demonstrations of the ethanol separation test at various BPCL Energy Stations across Karnataka to address consumer queries and explain the testing procedure.
How the E20 Ethanol Separation Test Works
BPCL explained that the demonstration involves mixing 100 ml of E20 Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit (EBMS) with 30 ml of water to facilitate the separation of ethanol from petrol.
During the initial stage, the mixture may appear hazy or milky. According to BPCL, this is a normal part of the testing process.
The mixture requires time for the ethanol-water layer and petrol layer to separate completely. The final reading should therefore be assessed only after the separation process is complete.
BPCL Says Photograph Showed Intermediate Stage of Test
Addressing the specific photograph circulating online, BPCL said it was inadvertently captured and shared before the separation process had been completed.
The image consequently showed an intermediate stage of the test rather than the final reading.
The company stated that the officer concerned promptly removed the post after realising that the photograph could lead to misinterpretation.
BPCL further confirmed that the sample tested was found to be within the prescribed specifications.
893 E20 Petrol Samples Tested Across 27 States and UTs
BPCL also highlighted the results of the ongoing fuel quality monitoring exercise conducted by Oil Marketing Companies in coordination with the Centre for High Technology (CHT).
The exercise has covered 893 E20 petrol samples collected across 27 States and Union Territories. According to the company, all samples were found within the prescribed ethanol content range of 19–21%.
Of the total samples tested, 280 were examined by BPCL, with all meeting the prescribed quality requirements.
BPCL Reaffirms Commitment to Fuel Quality
BPCL said it remains committed to maintaining fuel quality, transparency and consumer confidence.
The company reiterated that established quality monitoring mechanisms and compliance with applicable standards guide the supply of E20 petrol through its retail network.
The clarification is intended to help consumers understand the ethanol separation testing procedure and avoid drawing conclusions from photographs taken before the test is completed.
BPCL’s clarification addresses concerns arising from a photograph of an incomplete E20 petrol testing demonstration in Karnataka. The company’s explanation of the testing procedure, along with the reported results of 893 samples across 27 States and Union Territories, reinforces its assurance that the tested fuel samples met the prescribed ethanol content specifications.
