Karnataka Alleges Excessive Ethanol Blending in Petrol Across State

The Karnataka government tested 63 petrol samples across the state and discovered ethanol blending levels reaching up to 31.2 percent, prompting demands for an immediate explanation from the Union government.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad released the findings at a press conference on November 6, stating that samples collected from locations including Bengaluru and Mangaluru exceeded the prescribed 20 percent limit.

The issue carries significant financial stakes for ordinary citizens, as excessive ethanol content can reduce vehicle mileage, cause engine damage, and impose heavy maintenance costs on motorists.

“Reduced mileage, potential vehicle damage and rising maintenance costs are concerns that deserve serious attention,” said D.K. Shivakumar, the chief minister of Karnataka.

According to the state government, four out of five tested samples showed ethanol levels above 20 percent, with major firms such as Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation recording the highest concentrations.

State officials initially sent the fuel samples to in-house laboratories belonging to oil marketing companies, but reported that the facilities failed to disclose the ethanol content during testing.

“One of the questions was about the ethanol content in their respective products. None of the companies provided an answer to that question for any of the 63 samples,” said Rizwan Arshad, the food minister.

State leaders argued that the higher blending levels could damage older vehicles that lack compatibility with fuel mixtures exceeding the E20 standard, leading to potential financial burdens for consumers.

“The Modi-led government had already forced E20 petrol on the people, despite serious concerns over reduced mileage, additional fuel expenses and compatibility with older vehicles,” said G. Parameshwara, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka.

Public sector oil marketing companies rejected the allegations late on November 6, arguing that the state government failed to follow proper statutory and technical procedures during the sampling process.

The retailers stated that samples drawn under a quality monitoring exercise conducted by the Centre for High Technology consistently showed ethanol content remaining safely within the 19 to 20 percent range.

Fuel retailers requested complete sampling documentation and counterpart samples from Karnataka authorities, while offering to participate in a joint testing exercise adhering to official guidelines.