States » SouthPosted at: Nov 6 2026 7:29PM


Karnataka flags excess ethanol in petrol, seeks Centre's compensation

Bengaluru, Nov 6 (UNI) Karnataka has opened a fresh front against the Centre's ethanol-blending policy, alleging that petrol supplied by major oil marketing companies contains ethanol well beyond the prescribed 20 per cent limit and demanding compensation for motorists who may be bearing the cost through reduced mileage and higher vehicle maintenance expenses.
Escalating the issue beyond fuel quality concerns, the state government has demanded the creation of an "E20 spoilage fund", arguing that consumers should not be made to pay for alleged violations of prescribed fuel standards.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad said tests conducted on 63 petrol samples collected from seven districts, including Bengaluru Urban, had revealed ethanol concentrations significantly above the E20 benchmark.
Independent testing by Bengaluru-based Shriram Research Institute reportedly detected 31.2 per cent ethanol in Indian Oil Corporation petrol, 30.5 per cent in Hindustan Petroleum fuel, 26.5 per cent in Bharat Petroleum's Speed, 26.1 per cent in Nayara and 25.5 per cent in Shell petrol.
"The actual ethanol content in petrol supplied to consumers must be disclosed publicly. Motorists have a right to know what they are paying for," the minister said, demanding transparency from oil companies and the Centre.
The government said it had initially sent samples to the respective oil companies' laboratories but opted for independent testing after allegedly failing to receive satisfactory clarification about the ethanol content.
Questioning the accountability of fuel suppliers, Arshad demanded that the Centre intervene and ensure that consumers are not burdened with additional expenditure because of petrol allegedly exceeding the prescribed blending limit.
Putting a financial figure to the alleged impact, the state estimated that even a 10 per cent reduction in mileage could cost motorists around Rs 62,000 crore annually. Additional vehicle servicing and maintenance expenses could add another Rs 39,000 crore, taking the estimated burden to nearly Rs 1.01 lakh crore every year.
"The proposed E20 spoilage fund should compensate consumers for the loss of mileage and additional vehicle maintenance costs," the minister said.
The state has also called for disclosure of the actual ethanol percentage in petrol supplied by different oil marketing companies and stronger monitoring of fuel quality.
The controversy raises wider questions about automobile compatibility, consumer protection and accountability in implementing the country's ethanol-blending programme.
Karnataka's demand puts the spotlight on whether existing monitoring mechanisms are adequate to ensure compliance with prescribed blending standards and whether consumers have access to transparent information about the fuel they purchase.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Karnataka flags excess ethanol in petrol# seeks Centre's compensation
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