E20 Petrol Ethanol Controversy : A fresh controversy has emerged over E20 petrol after the Karnataka government claimed that laboratory tests found ethanol levels exceeding the prescribed 20% limit in samples collected from petrol pumps across different districts of the state. In some samples, the ethanol content reportedly reached as high as 31.2%. According to the government, a total of 63 samples were collected from petrol pumps operated by Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, Nayara and Shell. The state government is now preparing to forward the test reports to the central government.

Oil Companies Failed To Provide Clear Answers
According to the Karnataka government, all the samples were initially sent to the respective oil companies' laboratories to determine the exact ethanol content in petrol. The companies were asked to disclose the percentage of ethanol blended into their fuel. However, the state government alleged that none of the companies provided clear information. Following this, some samples were sent to private laboratories for testing. The results reportedly showed ethanol levels exceeding 20% in samples collected from seven districts.

How Much Ethanol Was Found In Each Brand?
According to figures released by the state government, Indian Oil petrol reportedly contained the highest ethanol level, exceeding 31.2%. The sample from Hindustan Petroleum was said to contain 30.5% ethanol. The reported figures for Bharat Petroleum, Nayara and Shell were 26.5%, 26.1% and up to 25.5%, respectively. These figures are based on tests conducted by the Karnataka government. The report does not provide details of any comprehensive response from the oil companies regarding these claims.

Concerns Over Vehicle Mileage And Expenses
The Karnataka government has also raised concerns about the impact of excessive ethanol blending on vehicle owners. It says that ethanol levels above the prescribed limit could reduce vehicle mileage and increase maintenance costs. However, the actual impact also depends on the vehicle's engine, technology and compatibility with the fuel. The government has estimated that a 10% decline in mileage could result in an annual loss of around Rs 62,000 crore.

Maintenance Costs Could Cause Rs 39,000 Crore Loss
The state government has also made a major claim regarding the additional expenses associated with vehicle servicing and maintenance. According to its estimate, these costs could lead to losses of around Rs 39,000 crore. Karnataka minister Rizwan Arshad has urged the Centre to intervene in the matter. He said the central government should establish a special fund to provide relief to vehicle owners affected by the use of petrol containing ethanol beyond the prescribed limit.

Karnataka Seeks Compensation Mechanism From Centre
The Karnataka government wants a system through which vehicle owners can receive compensation or refunds if petrol is found to contain ethanol above the prescribed limit. Minister Rizwan Arshad has therefore demanded that the central government establish a special fund. The state government will now send its laboratory reports to the Centre. The response from oil companies and the central government will be crucial in this matter. For now, the claim of ethanol content reaching 31.2% is based on the Karnataka government's test reports.