Samples in Karnataka show over 30 pc ethanol in E20 fuel: Minister

Bengaluru: Congress minister Rizwan Arshad has alleged that petrol samples collected from seven districts in Karnataka contained ethanol in excess of the prescribed 20 percent blend, raising concerns over fuel quality, vehicle performance and consumer rights.

Citing test results, Arshad claimed that samples collected from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) outlets showed ethanol content of 31.2 per cent and 30.5 per cent, respectively. He alleged that the findings indicated a serious violation of standards and called for immediate intervention by the authorities.

Describing the alleged excess blending as a breach of public trust, the minister demanded strict action against the oil marketing companies if the violations were established. He said consumers should not be made to bear the financial burden of problems arising from fuel that does not conform to declared specifications.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On the testing of fuel samples for high ethanol-blended petrol, Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad says, "We collected 63 samples from across the state, from various locations in every district, and from all the major companies… If we are only… pic.twitter.com/lzm2OnM7Hs

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2026

E20 compensation fund sought

Arshad also sought the creation of an E20 compensation fund to protect motorists who may suffer reduced mileage, increased maintenance costs or damage to vehicles due to excessive ethanol content in petrol. He argued that consumers must receive compensation if fuel quality is found to have caused such losses.

The minister further demanded that oil companies be made to disclose the exact ethanol content of petrol at every fuel station. Such information should be clearly displayed at dispensing points so that motorists know what they are purchasing.

He also called for consumers to be given the option of buying E10 petrol, which contains 10 per cent ethanol, instead of being restricted to E20 fuel. The choice, he maintained, would help vehicle owners concerned about compatibility and performance.

The allegations have brought renewed attention to the implementation of the E20 fuel-blending programme and the need for transparent quality checks. The test results and the alleged violations would require verification by the concerned authorities and oil companies.

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