Karnataka Tests Petrol at 67 Sites Over E20 Row
Karnataka has tested petrol samples from 67 locations following complaints that excessive ethanol blending is affecting vehicle performance. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday, November 8, that the state government had taken the complaints seriously and informed the Centre about concerns over ethanol content reportedly reaching 31.5%.
Karnataka Investigates Excess Ethanol in Petrol
Shivakumar said thousands of motorists had complained about reduced fuel efficiency, lower mileage and engines unexpectedly stalling while vehicles were moving.
State officials inspected petrol pumps and examined fuel blending and distribution facilities. Documents detailing the blending process and supply chain were also collected during the investigation.
Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad was expected to present a detailed inspection report on Monday, November 9, outlining the findings and proposed action.
E20 Petrol Tests Spark Dispute With Oil Companies
India’s E20 petrol programme involves blending 20% ethanol with petrol to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
Karnataka officials claimed laboratory tests detected ethanol concentrations exceeding the prescribed level, with some samples reportedly containing more than 30%.
However, public-sector oil marketing companies disputed the findings. They maintained that their own tests showed ethanol concentrations within prescribed standards and sought access to Karnataka’s testing records.
Shivakumar Questions Centre Over Fuel Quality
Shivakumar called on the Union Government to address motorists’ complaints, arguing that fuel quality, vehicle performance and public safety must remain priorities.
He also questioned why BJP and JD(S) leaders, including Karnataka Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, had not raised stronger objections.
The dispute has intensified scrutiny of India’s ethanol blending programme, particularly its implementation, testing procedures and potential effects on vehicle engines.
The differing laboratory findings remain unresolved, with further verification necessary to establish whether petrol supplied at the inspected outlets exceeded permitted ethanol levels.
