📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vraj Acharya, WELL Labs
Automobile
Karnataka Minister Says E20 Fuel Contains Over 30% Ethanol, Calls for Consumer Relief Fund
✍️ NDTV
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 10:32 PM
👁 16
The Karnataka minister, citing recent petrol tests, claimed that the E20 fuel blend sold in the state has ethanol content exceeding 30% and demanded the creation of a consumer relief fund.
The state’s minister for energy and petroleum announced that laboratory tests on locally supplied E20 petrol reveal an ethanol proportion of more than 30 percent, well above the nominal 20 percent blend mandated by national policy. He highlighted the discrepancy as a matter of consumer protection, noting that higher ethanol levels can affect fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
The minister urged the Karnataka government to establish a dedicated consumer relief fund to compensate motorists who may face increased fuel costs or vehicle wear due to the higher ethanol content. He said the fund should be financed through a transparent mechanism and overseen by an independent body.
While the claim has drawn attention from industry observers, officials from the state’s petroleum department have not yet issued a formal response. The issue is expected to be discussed in upcoming meetings of the state’s energy council, where the feasibility of a relief scheme will be examined.
The minister urged the Karnataka government to establish a dedicated consumer relief fund to compensate motorists who may face increased fuel costs or vehicle wear due to the higher ethanol content. He said the fund should be financed through a transparent mechanism and overseen by an independent body.
While the claim has drawn attention from industry observers, officials from the state’s petroleum department have not yet issued a formal response. The issue is expected to be discussed in upcoming meetings of the state’s energy council, where the feasibility of a relief scheme will be examined.