Karnataka Alleges Excessive Ethanol Blending in Petrol
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar alleges petrol outlets are exceeding ethanol limits for profit, while Union Minister Suresh Gopi warns against politicizing the technical issue.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar alleges that petrol sold at retail outlets in Karnataka contains ethanol levels far exceeding the approved 20 per cent limit, with some samples showing blending between 26 per cent and 31 per cent. Shivakumar claims that thousands of vehicles are experiencing engine failure and reduced mileage, asserting that fuel is being mixed at petrol bunks to increase profits. He announced that a minister will present evidence on Monday following an investigation of 67 locations.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi defended the central government's ethanol-blending policy, stating the 20 per cent limit is scientifically sound and implemented gradually. While Gopi stated that the governments of Karnataka and Kerala are free to test petrol samples, he cautioned against twisting technical issues for political purposes and warned that political mudslinging could lead to negative consequences.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas refuted the allegations, reporting that 893 samples across 27 states and union territories conformed to quality standards. State-run oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, maintained that blending is an automated process governed by statutory guidelines.
