From Indiatimes · Vivek Dubey · · 1m 50s
Ethanol Blending Row Sparks Karnataka Chief Minister's Accusation
Karnataka CM claims Centre covers up ethanol overblending causing engine failures.
In brief
Karnataka CM claims Centre covers up ethanol overblending causing engine failures. Karnataka CM alleges Centre covers up excessive ethanol blending in petrol causing vehicle engine failures and reduced mileage. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Karnataka CM targets Centre
Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar accused the Centre of covering up excessive ethanol blending in petrol.
“Engines are stopping repeatedly, and mileage has decreased”
Engine failures reported
Shivakumar said thousands of vehicles experienced repeated engine failures and reduced mileage.
“Engines are stopping repeatedly, and mileage has decreased”
Investigation underway
State government collected samples from 67 locations to check ethanol levels exceeding 20% limit.
“We have conducted an investigation first. 30% [of the work] is complete”
30% of work complete
Shivakumar stated 30% of the investigation had been completed with findings to be made public.
“30% [of the work] is complete”
Press conference planned
Karnataka government plans press conference tomorrow to reveal full investigation details.
“Tomorrow, our Minister will officially hold a press conference and give all details”
Ethanol mixing at pumps
Shivakumar claimed ethanol mixing occurs at petrol pumps rather than during supply process.
“We have checked, and the mixing is happening at the petrol bunks”
Ethanol levels exceed limit
Karnataka food, civil supplies minister Rizwan Arshad reported ethanol levels as high as 31.2% in samples.
“ethanol levels as high as 31.2%”
Oil firms reject claims
Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum denied allegations of excessive ethanol blending.
“petrol supplied by them across the country, including Karnataka, complied with the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for E20 fuel”
Testing methodology questioned
Oil firms criticized state government's October 2026 testing procedure and lab certificates.
“the findings were based on third-party laboratory certificates that did not follow the prescribed statutory and technical procedures”
Ethanol for profit
Shivakumar alleged cheaper ethanol was mixed with petrol to increase profits for suppliers.
“Because it is available at a lower price, they are mixing it to make a profit”
Dangerous practice
Shivakumar called the ethanol mixing practice dangerous and warned people to be protected.
“It is dangerous. People need to be made aware and protected”
Ethanol limit set at 20%
The prescribed ethanol limit in petrol is 20% as per Bureau of Indian Standards.
“prescribed 20% limit”
State samples collected
Samples were taken from seven locations including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru.
“samples collected from seven locations, including Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru”
Oil firms maintain compliance
Oil firms claim their petrol meets E20 fuel standards across India including Karnataka.
“petrol supplied by them across the country, including Karnataka, complied with the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for E20 fuel”
Next steps
Karnataka government will release full investigation results after press conference tomorrow.
“Tomorrow, our Minister will officially hold a press conference and give all details”
What it means
Karnataka CM alleges Centre covers up excessive ethanol blending in petrol causing vehicle engine failures and reduced mileage.
