Karnataka says some petrol samples show up to 31.2% ethanol

Karnataka says tests of petrol samples from across the state found ethanol content of up to 31.2%, well above the 20% that is declared. The state's Consumer Affairs Minister, Rizwan Arshad, announced the results in Bengaluru on Friday. He said the state now wants an explanation from the Union government and relief for consumers.

Arshad said the state's consumer affairs department collected 63 petrol samples from across Karnataka. Those samples showed ethanol levels of up to 31.2%, he said. The fuel is sold under the E20 label, which refers to a blend of 20% ethanol. Arshad said the results did not match that declared figure.

He asked the Union government to explain the difference. He also demanded a consumer relief fund for motorists who may have been affected. The state has not yet said how the fund would work or how much money it would involve.

Why ethanol blending matters

India has pushed ethanol blending in petrol for several years. The aim is to cut crude oil imports and reduce emissions. Fuel sold as E20 is meant to contain 20% ethanol. Blends above that level can affect engines, and vehicle makers often advise against them for older cars.

For motorists in Karnataka, the main question is what the petrol in their tank contains and whether it affects their vehicles. It is not yet known whether the test results have been checked by an independent laboratory.

What happens next

It is not yet known when the Union government will respond. Nor is it known how the samples were tested or which agency carried out the analysis. It is also not clear whether other states have run similar tests.