India

Karnataka CM Accuses Central Government of Ethanol Blending Cover‑Up

By Vivek Dubey

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday accused the central government of a cover‑up over alleged excessive ethanol blending in petrol. He said thousands of vehicles were experiencing engine failures and reduced mileage. The state government has collected samples from 67 locations and is investigating complaints that ethanol levels exceed the prescribed 20% limit. Shivakumar stated that 30 % of the investigation is complete and that the state will release findings publicly. He alleged that mixing is occurring at petrol bunks rather than during supply and that cheaper ethanol is being added to increase profits. The chief minister warned that the practice is dangerous and called for public awareness and protection.

The dispute follows earlier claims by Karnataka’s food, civil supplies, consumer affairs and legal metrology minister Rizwan Arshad that tests from seven locations, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru, recorded ethanol levels as high as 31.2 %. Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum issued a joint statement rejecting the allegations, asserting that their petrol complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for E20 fuel. They also questioned the state’s sampling procedure and testing methodology, noting that the certificates used did not follow prescribed statutory and technical procedures.