BENGALURU: Amid the fresh controversy over ethanol blending with petrol in Karnataka, the petrol bunk owners’ association has decided to maintain a neutral stand. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad on Friday raised concerns over the impact of high ethanol-blended petrol on vehicles, warning that fuel containing more than 20 per cent ethanol could damage components of vehicles not designed to handle higher ethanol concentrations.
The petrol bunk owners’ association said that per their agreement, whatever is supplied from companies should be sold and cannot be questioned. The association said ethanol blending has been happening from earlier. The association also said the government itself should question the oil manufacturing companies on the question of ethanol blending. However, they warned that vehicle owners can face difficulties if water gets mixed with petrol.
Meanwhile, several vehicle users felt that the government should first give out information on ethanol blending and its effects before putting out the product for retail sale. “We are not saying no to ethanol, but it is important for us to know how it is useful and for which category of vehicles”, they said.
“The mileage of our vehicles mileage has reduced. The Engine is made for petrol, but due to ethanol blending, vehicles are getting spoiled frequently. The government should first conduct trials and then sell to the public. By selling blended petrol without giving any information, out vehicles are getting spoiled”, many said.
On Friday, minister Rizwan Arshad said the government had collected 63 samples from different locations in every district and from all major oil companies. “We collected 63 samples from across the state, from various locations in every district, and from all the major companies,” he said.
Today, at the press meet, I highlighted the serious concerns surrounding ethanol-blended petrol (E20) and its impact on consumers.
The Karnataka Legal Metrology Department tested 63 petrol samples across the state. Our findings revealed that 4 out of every 5 samples contained more then 20% ethanol blending, while oil companies failed to provide clear answers.
Vote chori is being discussed, but what about petrol chori and the exploitation of common people?
We demand transparency, accountability and protection of consumer rights.
#Ethanol #E20 #ConsumerRights #Karnataka #Votechori #PetrolChori
— Rizwan Arshad (@ArshadRizwan) November 6, 2026
Questioning the compatibility of higher ethanol blends with the existing vehicle population, the minister said only a small proportion of vehicles on Indian roads were manufactured to comply with E20 fuel standards. “If we are only beginning to manufacture E20-compliant vehicles after 2023, what proportion of the total vehicle population does this represent? It is a very small fraction; only a tiny percentage of vehicles are E20-compliant. If the ethanol blend exceeds E20, even these E20-compliant vehicles will face problems,” he said.
Arshad further claimed that 99 per cent of vehicles could not handle fuel with an ethanol concentration higher than 20 per cent. He also referred to the role of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which is responsible for certifying vehicles, engines, technologies and fuels introduced in the country. “That is all well and good, but for the average vehicle, the fuel-system components such as rubber parts, hoses, gaskets, seals, and O-rings will all begin to deteriorate,” he said.
The Karnataka government’s testing of petrol samples and its concerns over ethanol concentrations have brought the issue into focus. The ethanol blending programme is a Centre-led initiative aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil, cutting fuel import costs and promoting the use of domestically produced ethanol.
Under the programme, the government has been promoting E20 petrol, which contains 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. However, the rollout has triggered concerns over vehicle compatibility, mileage and possible engine damage. (With Agency Inputs)
