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Automobile
Karnataka tests petrol at 67 sites after ethanol‑blending complaints, says CM Shivakumar
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 09 Nov 2026, 07:03 AM
👁 13
Chief Minister Basavaraj Shivakumar announced that Karnataka authorities have sampled petrol at 67 locations, covering both pumps and ethanol‑blending points, following consumer complaints about fuel quality.
The Karnataka government has launched a comprehensive testing exercise after receiving complaints that some petrol batches may not meet the mandated ethanol‑blending standards. Chief Minister Basavaraj Shivakumar said officials collected fuel samples from 67 points across the state, ranging from retail petrol pumps to the upstream blending and distribution facilities.
The inspections aim to verify compliance with the national ethanol‑blending policy, which requires a minimum percentage of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. Laboratory analysis will check for ethanol content, adulterants and overall fuel quality before any corrective action is taken.
State officials have not disclosed the preliminary findings, but they indicated that the results will be made public once the tests are completed. The move reflects growing scrutiny over fuel quality as the government pushes for higher ethanol usage to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on crude oil.
Industry observers note that rigorous monitoring can help maintain consumer confidence and ensure that fuel retailers adhere to the blending norms set by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The inspections aim to verify compliance with the national ethanol‑blending policy, which requires a minimum percentage of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. Laboratory analysis will check for ethanol content, adulterants and overall fuel quality before any corrective action is taken.
State officials have not disclosed the preliminary findings, but they indicated that the results will be made public once the tests are completed. The move reflects growing scrutiny over fuel quality as the government pushes for higher ethanol usage to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on crude oil.
Industry observers note that rigorous monitoring can help maintain consumer confidence and ensure that fuel retailers adhere to the blending norms set by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.