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Karnataka and Kerala fuel inspection dispute

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2026-11-10 03:05 UTC → 2026-11-10 19:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Karnataka government has maintained its findings that petrol samples contain ethanol levels as high as 31.2 percent, significantly exceeding the mandated 20 percent limit. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad stated that independent, NABL-accredited laboratories verified these results after oil marketing companies (OMCs) allegedly failed to provide specific ethanol percentages for 63 initial samples. Arshad warned that such high concentrations could damage vehicle engines and called for nationwide independent third-party testing. In response to the controversy and reports of vehicle damage, the Kerala government has initiated random inspections at petrol stations across the Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts. Minister Anoop Jacob announced that samples will be sent to government laboratories, with results expected within 10 days. The state warned that any outlet found violating the 20 percent limit will face legal prosecution and potential sealing. Oil marketing companies, including BPCL and HPCL, continue to reject the allegations, maintaining that their testing shows compliance with E20 standards with average ethanol content between 19 and 20 percent. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has dismissed the claims as propaganda, arguing that India does not produce enough ethanol to support the higher blending levels alleged by the Karnataka government. In a recent dispute in Hubballi, Minister Joshi dismissed claims that petrol contains up to 39 percent ethanol, characterizing the state government’s assertions as misinformation. He argued that central ethanol blending initiatives support the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and farmers. Minister Arshad responded by calling for a transparent, independent verification system and questioned the economic rationale of the policy. Arshad noted that ethanol is more expensive than pure petrol and suggested the financial burden on citizens could reach an estimated 1.01 lakh crore rupees annually. He further demanded that consumers be offered a choice between E10, E20, and pure petrol.

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