Karnataka Alleges Excessive Ethanol Blending in Petrol Across State

The Karnataka government tested 63 petrol samples across the state and discovered ethanol blending levels as high as 31.2 percent, prompting officials to demand an 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, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Tumakuru exceeded the prescribed 20 percent limit.

The dispute centers on vehicle compatibility and financial burdens, as officials warn that higher ethanol concentrations can reduce fuel mileage and cause damage to engines not designed for the mixture.

“Reduced mileage, potential vehicle damage and rising maintenance costs are concerns that deserve serious attention,” said D.K. Shivakumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, on the social media platform X.

Public sector oil marketing companies rejected the state government findings later in the day, arguing that the testing procedures failed to follow statutory requirements and marketing guidelines.

According to Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, a quality monitoring exercise across 27 states and Union Territories showed ethanol content staying within a range of 19 percent to 21 percent.

The fuel retailers said that 56 samples tested in Karnataka met the specifications and recorded an average ethanol content of 19.3 percent.

Arshad said the state initiated the testing after receiving complaints from motorists about reduced vehicle mileage and frequent mechanical repairs.

The initial samples were sent to in-house laboratories operated by oil companies, but the reports did not disclose the ethanol content figures.

“A questionnaire was sent to the laboratories of the oil marketing companies,” Arshad said, adding that none of the companies provided an answer regarding ethanol levels.

The state government then sent the samples to private laboratories, resulting in figures that showed nearly four out of five tested samples exceeded the 20 percent threshold.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara criticized the federal administration over the issue and demanded an immediate investigation into the matter.

The oil companies requested complete sampling documentation, outlet-wise laboratory reports and access to counterpart samples for independent testing in the presence of state representatives.