Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has alleged that petrol sold by major oil companies in the state contained ethanol of up to 31.2%, exceeding the 20% blending limit set by the central government, and has demanded an immediate investigation by the Union government.
Parameshwara raised the issue in a post on X, asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to explain how petrol with more than 30% ethanol was being sold to consumers when the Centre had fixed a 20% ethanol-blending limit.
According to the deputy chief minister, tests conducted by the Karnataka government at independent laboratories found ethanol blending of up to 31.2% in petrol marketed by major oil companies. The report published by Prajavani did not identify the companies, the laboratories, the locations where samples were collected or the number of samples tested.
Parameshwara said the test reports would be submitted to the central government and called for a comprehensive investigation. He also sought strict action against those found responsible after the inquiry.
The allegation places the focus on how fuel-blending standards are communicated and monitored at the point of sale. Parameshwara asked the Union government to ensure that every petrol station clearly informs consumers about the quantity of ethanol blended into petrol. He said necessary safety measures should be taken to protect consumers and prevent possible problems for vehicles.
The 20% figure cited by Parameshwara refers to the blending limit set by the central government, while the alleged 31.2% level is based on testing commissioned by the Karnataka government. The material supplied for this report does not include a response from the Union government, the oil companies named generally in the statement, fuel retailers or an independent assessment of the laboratory findings.
Ethanol blending is both a fuel-policy and transport-governance issue because the composition of petrol affects what consumers purchase at filling stations and how compliance is checked across the distribution chain. Clear disclosure at petrol pumps would also determine whether vehicle owners can understand the fuel specification being supplied to them.
The next steps identified by the Karnataka government are the submission of its test reports to the Centre, a comprehensive investigation and action against any party found responsible. The state has also urged the central authorities to publish clear information on ethanol levels at individual petrol stations and to establish safety measures for consumers and vehicles.
