Karnataka uncovers fuel over-blending as lab tests show ethanol levels surging past thirty percent

Independent laboratory tests conducted across seven districts in Karnataka have revealed ethanol mixing levels in petrol reaching up to thirty-one percent, far higher than the permitted twenty percent limit.

Findings And Districts

Rizwan Arshad, the State Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, stated that samples collected from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, and Dakshina Kannada showed excessive blending by major fuel retailers. Indian Oil Corporation Limited recorded thirty-one percent ethanol, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited registered nearly thirty-one percent, while Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Nayara, and Shell recorded blends ranging between twenty-five and twenty-six percent.

Government Position

The Minister alleged that initial tests at internal laboratories operated by oil companies failed to disclose these figures. Subsequent checks at facilities recognized by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories exposed the higher levels. The state administration has called for penalties against oil companies, transparent disclosure of blend percentages at every fuel station, and the creation of a dedicated compensation fund for vehicle owners.

Context

Ethanol blending in petrol aims to reduce crude oil imports and carbon emissions, but higher concentrations can cause engine knocking, corrosion, and reduced fuel efficiency in older or incompatible vehicle engines. Most vehicles currently on Indian roads are certified only for fuel blends containing up to twenty percent ethanol.