Laboratory tests in seven districts show 11 of 14 samples exceed the mandated 20 per cent ethanol blending limit.
The Karnataka government has discovered that petrol sold by major oil marketing companies in the state contains ethanol concentrations as high as 31.2 per cent. According to South First, laboratory tests conducted across seven districts found that 11 of the 14 samples tested exceeded the Union government's E20 mandate of a 20 per cent blend.
The samples were collected in Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru. Testing revealed that an Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) sample had the highest concentration at 31.2 per cent, followed by a 30.5 per cent reading in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) petrol.
Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Minister Rizwan Arshad said the government initially sent samples to the in-house laboratories of oil companies, but those reports did not disclose ethanol content. The state then used independent laboratories to conduct the tests.
The government expressed concerns that higher ethanol levels could damage vehicle components like fuel filters, pumps, and injectors. It noted that an estimated 99 per cent of the 35 crore vehicles in India were not designed for blends exceeding E20.
Minister Arshad has demanded a probe and called for the public disclosure of ethanol levels at all petrol pumps. He also requested the creation of an E20 spoilage fund to compensate vehicle owners for damages caused by high ethanol concentrations.
