Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Karnataka travel operators call for investigation into petrol ethanol test results
The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association is seeking a full investigation into conflicting test results for ethanol-blended petrol in Karnataka.
State minister Rizwan Arshad said petrol from several major oil companies contained more ethanol than the prescribed 20%, with some tests showing up to 31.2%.
The association says authorities should check whether the original and retest samples came from the same outlets, dates and fuel batches.
It wants the Union and Karnataka governments to conduct joint testing and publish results for all 63 original samples, along with details of how they were collected and tested.
If excessive blending is confirmed, authorities should trace where it happened and hold those responsible to account.
The group also wants vehicle makers to explain which models can use E20 fuel and what it means for mileage, maintenance and warranties.
It says it has received no formal complaints of vehicle problems linked to ethanol-blended petrol so far.
The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association has called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged discrepancies in ethanol-blended petrol test results in the State.
The association urged the Union and State governments to conduct joint testing and publish results for all 63 original samples and corresponding retests.
Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad recently claimed that petrol from several major oil companies contained ethanol above the prescribed 20% level, in some cases reaching 31.2%.
The association called for a review of sampling and testing procedures and suggested retesting sealed duplicate samples at an independent laboratory.
It also urged authorities to identify responsibility if excessive blending is confirmed and called for clearer information for vehicle owners and consumers.
- Who
- The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association, led by president K. Radhakrishna Holla, called for an investigation.
- What
- The association wants alleged discrepancies in ethanol-blended petrol test results investigated through joint testing and public disclosure.
- When
- The association’s call was reported on November 9, 2026; the minister’s claim was made recently.
- Where
- Karnataka, India.
- Why
- The association said the discrepancy needed to be examined using scientific evidence amid concerns about fuel quality and transparency.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad claimed that petrol sold by several major oil companies in the State contained ethanol above the prescribed 20% level, with some samples reaching 31.2%.
The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association called for a comprehensive investigation and joint testing.
- Original samples
- 63
- Prescribed ethanol level
- 20%
- Highest level claimed
- 31.2%
- Association president
- K. Radhakrishna Holla
- Publication date
- November 9, 2026