Congress protests in Bengaluru over alleged excess ethanol blending in petrol
Protesters claimed petrol samples showed ethanol levels exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit, potentially damaging vehicle engines.
Congress workers staged protests at several petrol pumps across Bengaluru on Monday, alleging that ethanol is being blended with petrol beyond the prescribed 20 per cent limit, according to Deccan Chronicle. Led by leader S Manohar, demonstrators gathered at Nehru Circle and in front of Mantri Mall in Malleswaram to alert motorists.
The party alleged that petrol samples tested by the Karnataka government showed ethanol content between 21 per cent and 30 per cent, with some claims exceeding 35 per cent. Protesters used the term 'E420' to describe the fuel, alleging deception regarding the marketed E20 standard. They claimed the excess blending occurs at the distributor level rather than at individual pumps.
Manohar stated that the Congress had long raised this issue and noted that Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had previously demanded the programme's withdrawal. The party alleged that excessive blending reduces vehicle mileage and damages engines and spare parts, causing financial losses to motorists.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Rizwan Arshad said the state government followed prescribed sampling and testing procedures. Arshad challenged oil marketing companies (OMCs) to explain the ethanol content in 63 samples collected across the state and said he would release related documents.
BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraj Wadiyar rejected the allegations in Mysuru, stating the Central government had provided a complete explanation. He dismissed claims of vehicle damage as false and accused the Congress of using the issue to divert attention from rising prices.