Karnataka Government Alleges High Ethanol Levels in Petrol Samples, Calls for Action

The Karnataka government has raised concerns regarding the quality of petrol supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Recent tests conducted by the state government revealed that samples of petrol from these companies contained more than 30% ethanol, which exceeds the permissible limit set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

In response to these findings, Karnatakas Minister for Energy, K.J. George, has called for immediate action against the two oil companies. He emphasized that the high ethanol content in petrol could potentially harm vehicles and pose safety risks to consumers. The minister has urged the central government to take strict measures to ensure that fuel supplied in the state adheres to the established quality standards.

The issue of ethanol blending in petrol has been a topic of discussion in India, as the government has been promoting the use of ethanol as a means to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. However, the blending must be within safe limits to avoid adverse effects on engine performance and vehicle safety.

Karnatakas government is now demanding a thorough investigation into the matter and has requested that the central authorities take appropriate steps to rectify the situation. The state has also indicated that it will monitor fuel quality more closely in the future to protect consumers and ensure compliance with national standards.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the fuel supply chain and the importance of maintaining quality control measures to safeguard public interests. The Karnataka government remains committed to ensuring that consumers receive safe and reliable fuel, and it is taking proactive steps to address any discrepancies in fuel quality.