Excess ethanol mix national concern: DK Shivakumar says got thousands of complaints
DK Shivakumar said Karnataka received thousands of complaints of vehicle malfunctions and reduced mileage and warned that the practice of mixing higher ethanol with petrol posed a nationwide public safety risk.
Days after the Karnataka government claimed that petrol sold in the state contained more than 30 per cent ethanol, against the prescribed 20 per cent blend under the E20 programme, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday termed the issue a serious concern for the entire country, warning that it posed a serious risk to public safety.
Shivakumar said the state government had received thousands of complaints from motorists about vehicle problems, ranging from reduced mileage to engines stalling midway. He added that officials had collected samples from 67 locations and completed around 30 per cent of the investigation into the alleged excessive blending.
"We have collected samples from 67 locations and conducted inspections after informing the Central Government. Thousands of motorists have complained that their vehicles are experiencing problems, including engine malfunctions and reduced mileage," he said.
The Chief Minister said the government had ordered a detailed investigation into the complaints and gathered information about petrol bunks and distribution points where the alleged mixing was taking place.
"Our ministers have received reports containing details of where ethanol is being mixed with petrol and where the mixing is taking place during distribution. We have also gathered information about the petrol bunks and the distribution points involved," he said.
Alleging that ethanol was being mixed with petrol to make profits by sourcing it at lower prices, Shivakumar said the practice could endanger motorists.
"This is a matter of serious concern not just for Karnataka but for the entire country. There are allegations that ethanol is being mixed in this manner to make profits by sourcing it at lower prices. We strongly condemn such practices. They pose a serious risk to public safety," he said.
He also criticised BJP and JD(S) leaders, including Basavaraj Bommai and R Ashoka, for not speaking up on the issue.
Stressing the need to make people aware of the alleged irregularities and protect their safety, Shivakumar said the state minister concerned would hold a press conference on Monday to explain the investigation findings in detail.
On Friday, the Karnataka government claimed that petrol samples collected from different oil marketing companies contained ethanol concentrations substantially higher than the prescribed 20 per cent limit under the E20 programme.
The state government said it had collected samples from major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Shell, across Karnataka. After the companies allegedly failed to provide clear details about the ethanol content, the samples were sent to private laboratories for independent testing.
Tests conducted by Bengaluru-based Shriram Research Institute reportedly found ethanol concentrations exceeding 20 per cent in several samples. According to the state government's findings, ethanol content stood at 31.2 per cent in an IOCL sample, 30.5 per cent in an HPCL sample, 26.5 per cent in a BPCL sample, 26.1 per cent in Nayara petrol and 25.5 per cent in Shell petrol.
Karnataka Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad had also demanded that the Centre establish a compensation fund for motorists who may have suffered losses due to excessive ethanol blending, including reduced fuel efficiency and higher vehicle maintenance costs.