Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar today clarified that excessive ethanol blending is not taking place at retail petrol bunks but at distribution points of oil companies, and accused companies of mixing more than prescribed limit for profit.Speaking to media near his Sadashivanagar residence on Sunday, Shivakumar said government has taken serious note of complaints from vehicle owners and ordered probe.
“Thousands of vehicle owners have complained to us that their vehicles are giving lower mileage and engines are developing problems. We ordered investigation into these complaints and conducted necessary tests,” he said.
He said state government has informed Centre about issue and collected petrol samples from 67 locations across Karnataka for testing.”Central government may try to dismiss issue by claiming it has nothing to do with them. However, we have conducted our own checks. Ethanol is not being mixed at petrol bunks. The information and reports we have received indicate that blending is taking place at distribution points,” he said.
He said Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad will hold detailed press conference at Vikas Soudha at 12 noon on Monday to share findings.Expressing concern, Shivakumar alleged some companies are mixing excessive quantity of ethanol with petrol to increase profits because ethanol is available at lower price.
“This issue has become major concern for entire country. We strongly condemn such practices. It is our responsibility to create awareness among people and protect their interests,” he said.He also targeted opposition for remaining silent on issue that affects lakhs of vehicle owners.”Opposition leaders are silent. R. Ashoka and Vijayendra are not speaking about it. Neither BJP nor JD(S) is raising issue. They do not want this matter to come out,” he alleged.
Minister’s Earlier Allegation – 31% Ethanol Found:On Friday, Minister Rizwan Arshad had alleged that ethanol blending in petrol has exceeded prescribed limit of 20 percent, with some samples reportedly containing as much as 31 percent ethanol.Legal Metrology Department conducted quality tests on petrol sold under major fuel brands in Karnataka. Samples were collected from Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru districts.
According to minister, tests revealed that petrol samples collected from all major oil companies contained more than 20 percent ethanol. Tests reportedly found 31.2 percent ethanol in Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) petrol and 30.5 percent in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) petrol.
Minister further alleged that when petrol samples were initially sent to oil companies’ own laboratories, including those of IOCL and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), laboratories failed to mention ethanol percentage in their reports, despite being required to test and disclose ethanol content.
Allegations have raised serious concerns over fuel quality, vehicle performance, engine damage and compliance with prescribed ethanol-blending standards mandated by Centre. Government says excess ethanol reduces mileage and causes long-term engine issues, particularly for older vehicles not compatible with higher blending.
