Petrol sold by major oil companies in Karnataka contains ethanol well above the permitted 20 per cent in what’s marketed as E20, with one Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) sample recording 31.2 per cent, a minister in the state’s Congress government said on Friday, demanding that the BJP-led Centre penalise the companies for “over-blending” and compensate consumers whose vehicles have been damaged.
Arshad made four demands of the central government. His fourth demand was that the Centre publicly clarify the actual ethanol blend being supplied to consumers. The ethanol blending programme, led by the Centre, aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, cut fuel import costs and promote domestically produced ethanol. The rollout of E20 petrol has raised concerns about vehicle compatibility, mileage and possible engine damage. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has criticised the Union government over the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cited savings on crude imports as one of the success markers of the programme.
IOCL petrol recorded an ethanol blend of 31.2 per cent, while Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) recorded 30.5 per cent, he said. Samples from another government-owned firm, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and private firms Nayara and Shell showed 26.5, 26.1, and 25.5 per cent, respectively. Bengaluru was among the districts where samples exceeded the 20 per cent limit.
“The Union Government, OMCs, and vehicle manufacturers are making windfall profits at the cost of consumers,” Arshad alleged. He said the state government would submit the findings to the Centre, continue testing petrol, and release its findings. The Centre has repeatedly rejected concerns over E20 petrol, and said ethanol produced from cane and maize boosts farmers’ incomes. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said last month too that the backlash was a “paid campaign”. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has called reports of vehicle problems a “misrepresentation”.
