📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ganesh Dhamodkar
Business
BPCL’s Test Images on Karnataka’s E20 Fuel Claim Spark Scrutiny, OMC Removes X Post
✍️ Livemint
🗓 12 Nov 2026, 07:37 PM
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BPCL’s attempt to refute Karnataka’s allegations about the E20 fuel blend using test photographs has drawn criticism, leading OMC to delete a related post on the X platform.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) released a set of photographs purportedly showing laboratory tests that challenge Karnataka’s recent statements on the suitability of the E20 ethanol‑petrol blend. The images were intended to demonstrate that the fuel meets quality standards and to counter the state’s concerns about vehicle performance and emissions.
However, analysts and observers quickly pointed out inconsistencies in the visuals, questioning the authenticity of the test setup and the data presented. The scrutiny intensified after the images were shared widely on social media, prompting calls for clarification from both the oil marketing company and the Karnataka government.
In response to the growing controversy, Oil Marketing Company (OMC) removed a related post from its X (formerly Twitter) account, citing the need to review the content. The deletion has added another layer to the debate, with industry experts urging transparent communication and independent verification of the fuel’s performance.
The episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding the rollout of higher ethanol blends in India, as state governments and oil firms navigate technical, environmental and consumer‑safety considerations.
Both BPCL and Karnataka officials have indicated that further dialogue will be pursued to resolve the dispute, though no definitive outcome has been announced yet.
However, analysts and observers quickly pointed out inconsistencies in the visuals, questioning the authenticity of the test setup and the data presented. The scrutiny intensified after the images were shared widely on social media, prompting calls for clarification from both the oil marketing company and the Karnataka government.
In response to the growing controversy, Oil Marketing Company (OMC) removed a related post from its X (formerly Twitter) account, citing the need to review the content. The deletion has added another layer to the debate, with industry experts urging transparent communication and independent verification of the fuel’s performance.
The episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding the rollout of higher ethanol blends in India, as state governments and oil firms navigate technical, environmental and consumer‑safety considerations.
Both BPCL and Karnataka officials have indicated that further dialogue will be pursued to resolve the dispute, though no definitive outcome has been announced yet.