Karnataka Government Faces Row Over Proposed Ethanol Blending in Fuel

Bengaluru, Karnataka – The state government’s recent proposal to raise the proportion of ethanol in motor fuel has triggered a heated debate. Officials say the move aims to reduce dependence on imported crude and support the state’s sugarcane growers, while critics question the impact on fuel quality and vehicle performance.
Stakeholders from the oil industry, farmer associations and consumer groups have voiced divergent views. Oil companies warn that higher ethanol blends could strain existing infrastructure, whereas farmer bodies argue that a larger blend would create a reliable market for surplus sugarcane molasses.
The administration announced that it will convene a multi‑stakeholder committee to review technical studies and address concerns before any amendment to the blending mandate is finalized.