Minister Demands Independent Testing in Ethanol Fuel Blend Controversy

A minister has intensified demands for independent fuel testing as a row over ethanol blend specifications continues to simmer. Rizwan Arshad stated that suspicions arose when oil marketing company (OMC) laboratories failed to deliver required test results, prompting authorities to engage alternative testing facilities.

According to Arshad, fuel samples were subsequently forwarded to laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration of Laboratories (NABL) and certified under International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This move was undertaken to ensure impartial assessment of the fuel composition in question.

The minister's stance reflects growing concerns about the reliability of in-house testing by oil companies and underscores the need for transparent, third-party verification in fuel quality matters. The shift to independent laboratories represents an attempt to establish credibility and remove potential conflicts of interest in the testing process.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between government regulators and fuel suppliers over adherence to quality standards. Officials maintain that rigorous independent testing is essential to protect consumers and maintain fuel quality benchmarks across the country.