Karnataka finds ethanol blending of up to 31.2% in petrol, seeks explanation from Union government
The Karnataka government has accused oil marketing companies of blending ethanol into petrol at levels exceeding the 20% limit, with some samples reaching 31.2%. The state is seeking an explanation from the Union government following consumer complaints about vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Why it matters
This dispute highlights potential regulatory failures in the national ethanol-blending program and raises concerns about vehicle health and consumer rights.
The Karnataka government has alleged that petrol sold by major oil marketing companies in the state contains ethanol in excess of the prescribed 20% blend, with laboratory tests recording levels as high as 31.2%.Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad, who released the findings at a press conference on Friday, November 6, said the state government had tested 63 petrol samples collected from different parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.According to the findings released by the department, samples from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Nayara Energy, Shell and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) showed ethanol content exceeding 20% in several instances.The highest ethanol content recorded was 31.2% in an IOCL petrol sample, followed by 30.5% in an HPCL Power sample.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Karnataka Alleges Excessive Ethanol Blending in Petrol Across State
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