Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar Raises Concerns Over Ethanol Blending and Vehicle Damage Amid Political Protests

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday questioned the Centre's responsibility in regulating ethanol blending in petrol, raising concerns about the impact of higher ethanol content on automobiles. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar stated that excessive ethanol blending has reduced vehicle mileage and damaged engines, leading to frequent breakdowns and financial losses for vehicle owners.

The Chief Minister's remarks coincided with political protests led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against recent price hikes announced by the state government. These include an ₹8 per litre increase in milk prices alongside hikes in bus fares and luggage charges.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai criticized the state administration, describing the Congress government as anti-people and anti-development. Another BJP leader and former Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa, stated that the price increases have created difficulties for common citizens.

“It is very difficult for the common man. Not only have milk prices been raised, but even bus fares and luggage charges have gone up. This shows that the government is not at all bothered about the common man. That is why we are protesting. I demand that the Chief Minister withdraw these unnecessary price hikes,” Yediyurappa said.

Addressing the fuel quality concerns, Shivakumar claimed that ethanol blending has been increased beyond the 20 percent limit to 20 to 30 percent across vehicles in the country, causing mileage drops and engine damage. This follows a report released by the Karnataka government on November 6, which revealed that an inspection of 14 petrol samples from fuel stations across the state found ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20 percent limit in 11 samples. Laboratory tests recorded concentrations up to 31.2 percent in petrol from Indian Oil Corporation and 30.5 percent in fuel supplied by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.

Oil marketing companies (OMCs) immediately questioned the state government’s testing methodology. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi subsequently backed the OMCs and questioned the credibility of the state's findings. Joshi noted on social media that the Karnataka testing certificates only mentioned 'Ethanol % by Gas Chromatography' without specifying the test method, calibration, dilution, or reference sample.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Hardeep Puri stated that there is no intention to increase ethanol blending in fuel beyond 20 percent.

"Disputes between state administrations and central regulatory bodies regarding fuel standards and pricing create operational uncertainties for businesses and fuel retailers alike. When policy implementation and compliance metrics are publicly contested, it impacts consumer trust and supply chain predictability. For businesses relying on commercial transport, sudden shifts in fuel quality or pricing add operational friction and financial overhead that require careful risk management." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes