Politics · India Bureau
Karnataka finds E20 petrol ethanol content dangerously exceeds permitted levels
Laboratory tests in Karnataka have revealed ethanol blends in E20 petrol reaching as high as 31%, far exceeding regulatory standards. State authorities are now demanding penalties for oil marketing companies and a compensation fund for affected consumers.
LSN India ·
Independent laboratory testing conducted in Karnataka has exposed significant quality control lapses in E20 petrol distribution, with ethanol concentrations measured at levels up to 31%—substantially higher than the permitted specification for the fuel variant.
The findings have prompted Karnataka's Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to call for stringent regulatory action against oil marketing companies operating in the state. The minister has demanded that offending firms face financial penalties for the quality violations, citing consumer protection concerns.
Beyond punitive measures, state authorities have proposed establishing a dedicated compensation fund to reimburse consumers who may have suffered engine damage or vehicle malfunction due to non-compliant fuel. E20 petrol, which typically contains a standardized ethanol blend, is designed to work with vehicles specifically certified for higher ethanol tolerance.
The quality disparities raise questions about adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and oversight mechanisms at fuel distribution points. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring fuel quality consistency across retail networks in South India.