Karnataka cab drivers demand compensation over excess ethanol in petrol
The Karnataka State Taxi and Maxi Cab Association has called for central government ex gratia after reports of high ethanol content.
The Karnataka State Taxi and Maxi Cab Association has requested the Centre to compensate vehicle owners for damages caused by excess ethanol in petrol, according to the Deccan Herald. The association is seeking verification of claims that ethanol levels in fuel samples collected across the state exceed the 20 per cent limit.
K M Santosh Kumar, convener of the association, said that using E-31 petrol instead of E20 petrol is causing significant losses. He stated that drivers travelling 100km daily are losing between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500 every month due to reduced mileage.
Kumar also noted that high ethanol concentrations can damage fuel pipes and injectors, particularly in vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2023. He demanded that fuel stations install digital meters to show ethanol percentages and that E-10 petrol be made available for older vehicles.
Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad said on Monday that the state government stands by its testing results, which found ethanol levels above the prescribed limit in fuel sold as E20. Arshad, according to Prajavani, challenged Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to conduct fresh tests through a third-party institution.
The minister stated that the state collected 63 petrol samples under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 2005. He alleged that petrol sold as E20 in parts of the state contained E30 or higher ethanol levels.
The state government plans to hold a meeting with oil companies to ensure fuel meets quality requirements.