New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) on Saturday rejected the Karnataka government's claim that petrol sold at some retail outlets in the state contained 26-31% ethanol, exceeding the prescribed 20% limit for E20 fuel, and challenged the testing methodology used to arrive at the findings. The companies sought sampling records and laboratory reports from the state government, calling for independent verification.

According to a state government statement, petrol sold in seven Karnataka districts contained ethanol concentrations as high as 31.2%, with eleven of 14 samples exceeding the 20% blend specified under the E20 standard. The samples were collected from fuel stations in Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Ben...