# Ethanol Blending Row Sparks Karnataka Chief Minister's Accusation

> Karnataka CM claims Centre covers up ethanol overblending causing engine failures.
- Title: Ethanol Blending Row Sparks Karnataka Chief Minister's…
- Summary: Karnataka CM claims Centre covers up ethanol overblending causing engine failures.
- Keywords: ethanol blending, karnataka government, petrol quality, engine failures, ethanol levels, bureau of indian standards, e20 fuel, karnataka chief minister, dk shivakumar, rizwan arshad, indian oil corporation, bharat petroleum corporation
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/engines-failing-dks-accuses-centre-of-cover-up-amid-ethanol-belnding-row/articleshow/135652976.cms
- Author: Vivek Dubey
- Published: 2026-11-08T06:15:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ethanol blending, karnataka government, petrol quality, engine failures, ethanol levels, bureau of indian standards, e20 fuel, karnataka chief minister, dk shivakumar, rizwan arshad, indian oil corporation, bharat petroleum corporation
## 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
## Key takeaway

Karnataka CM alleges Centre covers up excessive ethanol blending in petrol causing vehicle engine failures and reduced mileage.