The central government and oil companies have refuted claims made by the Karnataka government and Rahul Gandhi regarding ethanol content in E20 petrol. According to the Ministry of Petroleum, 893 samples of E20 petrol were tested across 27 states and union territories.

All 893 tested samples were found to be within the prescribed limit of 19 to 21 percent. According to the ministry, the average ethanol content in 56 samples from Karnataka was recorded at 19.30 percent.

Questions raised over testing process and potential financial losses

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have raised questions regarding the testing process of the Karnataka government. Meanwhile, according to Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad, vehicle owners across the country could face an annual loss of Rs 62,000 crore due to reduced mileage.

The Karnataka government has also estimated an additional financial burden of Rs 39,000 crore due to damaged vehicle engines and servicing. However, contradictions persist between the data provided by the central government and the Karnataka government regarding actual petrol quality and the correct amount of ethanol blending.