BPCL deletes tweet after ethanol reading sparks controversy

Bengaluru: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has deleted a social media post showcasing an ethanol-blending test at a petrol pump in Mysuru after users questioned the test results, alleging that the reading indicated ethanol content significantly higher than the government-mandated 20 per cent limit.

The deleted post, shared on X on Sunday, reportedly claimed that a test conducted at a Mysuru petrol outlet confirmed that the ethanol content in petrol was within the prescribed E20 limit.

BPCL deleted this tweet after people pointed out that it shows 33% of Ethanol pic.twitter.com/QxteuW24dV

— Mukesh (@mikejava85) November 9, 2026

However, screenshots of the post went viral after social media users pointed out that the reading shown in the test images appeared to indicate ethanol content of around 33 per cent, triggering questions over the company’s claim.

An X user, Mukesh, shared a screenshot of the deleted post, questioning why BPCL had removed it after users highlighted the discrepancy. The development triggered criticism, with several users questioning the transparency of the oil marketing company’s claims on fuel quality.

The controversy comes amid an escalating dispute between the Karnataka government and public sector oil marketing companies over allegations that petrol sold at several outlets contained ethanol levels ranging from 26 to 31.2 per cent.

BPCL, along with Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, has rejected the state’s findings, maintaining that its supplies conform to prescribed quality standards.

The companies have cited tests of 893 samples across 27 states and Union Territories, including 56 samples from Karnataka, which reportedly recorded ethanol content between 19 and 21 per cent.

However, BPCL’s deleted post has added another dimension to the controversy, raising questions about the testing process and the need for transparent, independently verifiable results.

The alleged 33 per cent reading has not been independently verified.

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