Karnataka and Union Government Clash Over Ethanol Blending Levels
Karnataka officials accuse the central government of allowing ethanol blends up to 31 percent in petrol, while Union Minister Pralhad Joshi dismisses the claims as politically motivated.
The Government of Karnataka and the Indian central government are locked in a dispute over ethanol blending levels in petrol. Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil and Minister Rizwan Arshad allege that oil marketing companies have exceeded the prescribed E20 limit, with state lab tests showing ethanol levels as high as 31.2 percent in seven districts. Patil accused Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of abruptly introducing the blending system without a pilot program and claimed the center encouraged excessive production without ensuring adequate procurement, leaving sugar factories in Karnataka and Maharashtra with surplus stocks.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi rejected these findings, arguing that blending ethanol beyond 20 percent lacks commercial logic because ethanol costs more than the base price of petrol. Joshi characterized the allegations as a bogus movement led by Rahul Gandhi intended to mislead the public and appease specific groups. He further questioned the methodology of the state's testing, asserting that only specialized equipment and recognized laboratories can provide accurate results.
While the Karnataka government maintains that excessive blending will damage vehicle engines and burden consumers, the Union government defends the initiative as a means to support farmers and reduce import dependency. Minister Patil has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter, questioning why the central government refuses to accept the state's test results.
