Karnataka leaders allege Union’s petrol exceeds 20% ethanol limit, cite farmer and motorist concerns

Karnataka’s chief minister D.K. Shivakumar and deputy chief minister G. Parameshwara on Sunday accused the BJP‑led Union government of breaching the mandated 20% ethanol limit in petrol sold across the state. They pointed to petrol samples tested by the Karnataka Department of Legal Metrology that showed ethanol blends higher than the prescribed E20 norm. Shivakumar said the excess blend raises the cost of fuel for ordinary people, cuts mileage, risks vehicle damage and pushes up maintenance bills while oil firms continue to post large profits. Parameshwara added that the Modi‑led centre forced E20 petrol on consumers despite worries about lower mileage, extra fuel expense and incompatibility with older cars. He called the Union’s claim that ethanol blending helps farmers a "double standard" because the latest central tender excludes ethanol made from sugarcane juice, sugar syrup and B‑heavy molasses. With Karnataka’s farmers facing a severe drought, the deputy chief minister argued that denying a market for sugarcane‑based ethanol while selling over‑blended fuel hurts both growers and motorists. Parameshwara demanded an immediate investigation, strict action against those responsible, transparent disclosure of ethanol content at every pump and safeguards for consumers, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari owe the people an explanation. ## Context The ethanol‑blending policy, known as E20, caps ethanol at 20% of petrol volume to balance renewable fuel goals with vehicle performance. Exceeding this cap can affect fuel efficiency and engine wear, while also influencing demand for ethanol derived from agricultural sources such as sugarcane.