The Karnataka government has claimed that petrol samples collected from several oil marketing companies contained ethanol levels higher than the prescribed E20 benchmark of 20%, raising concerns about fuel quality and potential costs for motorists.
According to a government press release, 63 petrol samples were collected from seven districts and sent for independent laboratory testing after the state reportedly failed to obtain satisfactory information from oil companies.
The findings, attributed to Bengaluru-based Shriram Research Institute, reportedly showed ethanol concentrations of 31.2% in an Indian Oil Corporation sample, 30.5% and 27% in Hindustan Petroleum samples, 26.5% in Bharat Petroleum fuel, 26.1% in Nayara petrol and 25.5% in Shell petrol.
Other samples reportedly recorded lower concentrations, with some falling below the 20% benchmark.
E20 petrol is a blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The Karnataka government has raised concerns that higher ethanol concentrations could affect vehicle mileage and increase maintenance costs.
State Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad has urged the Centre to establish a compensation fund for motorists who may have suffered financial losses.
The state government has estimated that a 10% reduction in mileage could result in annual consumer losses of Rs 62,000 crore, alongside potential additional servicing expenses.
However, the reported findings and their implications require independent verification. The Centre and oil companies have yet to publicly clarify the allegations, according to the state government.
