E20 Petrol Samples Contain Up To 31 Pc Ethanol, Claims Karnataka CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday questioned the Centre's accountability over alleged irregularities in ethanol blending in petrol, claiming that excessive ethanol content was affecting vehicle mileage, damaging engines and causing breakdowns across the country.

Reacting to the BJP's protest against price rise in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the opposition party should also raise concerns over the alleged adverse impact of ethanol blending on vehicles.

He claimed that ethanol blending in petrol had gone beyond the prescribed 20 per cent in some cases, reaching as high as 30 per cent, resulting in reduced mileage and damage to engines. He also alleged that vehicles were breaking down midway, causing financial losses to owners.

"At the very least, shouldn't the central government have some responsibility to find out where it was procured, where it was mixed and where it came from," he asked, speaking to reporters in Mysuru.

The controversy erupted after the Karnataka government claimed last week that E20 petrol samples collected from seven districts contained up to 31 per cent ethanol, exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit.

Shivakumar said the state government had collected samples from 67 locations and brought the matter to the notice of the Centre and concerned authorities. Tests had been conducted and the findings were being examined, he added.

He maintained that the issue affected vehicle owners across the country and was not limited to Karnataka. Questioning the responsibility for alleged fuel adulteration, he urged the Centre to first respond to the state's findings.

Some central government representatives had denied allegations of excessive ethanol blending, he said, adding that they should clarify the discrepancies highlighted by the samples collected by Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar said the government had prepared the first list of appointments to state-run boards and corporations. He said he had signed the list covering 500 director-level appointments, which would be released after verification. Senior legislators would also be considered for the positions, he added.