Karnataka minister defends ethanol fuel test findings

Minister releases ethanol test results

On November six, Minister Rizwan Arshad released test reports on sixty-three petrol samples from Karnataka pumps.

All samples exceeded safe limits

All three oil companies' samples showed ethanol blending levels of more than twenty percent. The standard for E10 fuel allows only ten percent ethanol, making these results significantly above permitted levels.

Oil companies' labs failed to report

The initial sixty-three samples were sent to the oil companies' own laboratories at IOCL, BPCL and HPCL for testing. Not one of their test reports stated the ethanol percentage, raising suspicion about the results.

“Not one of their test reports stated the ethanol percentage.”

Minister defends independent testing

Arshad said the samples were then sent to NABL-accredited and ISO-certified laboratories. He stated the tests followed prescribed procedures under standard IS seventeen thousand twenty-one colon two thousand eighteen for testing ethanol content.

“The samples were then sent to NABL-accredited and ISO-certified laboratories.”

Oil companies cite technicalities

Oil companies claimed the samples were not tested as per prescribed procedure and the laboratories used were not those specified under the Order.

“They have failed to answer how much ethanol is in the petrol at our pumps.”

Automobile makers raised concerns

On July twenty-eighth, twenty twenty-six, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers wrote to the Union Petroleum Ministry flagging chloride and sulphur in E twenty fuel causing vehicle damage.

Warranty and insurance concerns

Hyundai, Toyota and other automobile manufacturers stated in their manuals that using fuel other than E ten would void the warranty.

Blend controlled at refineries, not pumps

Arshad said the oil companies' own statement describes ethanol blending as a controlled and automated process at refineries and depots.

“Ethanol blending is a controlled and automated process.”

Minister demands third-party testing

Arshad said his department wants to meet with oil companies to conduct periodic petrol sample tests by the State government.

“They have to be tested at third-party laboratories because when OMCs test samples in their own laboratories, they will provide reports as per their convenience.”

Central government plans higher blending

Arshad shared a clip from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's press conference in which Kumaraswamy said the Central government was planning to raise ethanol blending from twenty percent to thirty percent over three to four months.

“Over the last three to four months, I have seen the Central government planning to raise ethanol blending from 20% to 30%.”

Minister refuses to back down

Arshad said Karnataka government cannot be silenced and will not step back like industry bodies and companies who he claimed had been silenced or pressured.

“The Karnataka government cannot be silenced and will not step back.”