Karnataka Ethanol Petrol Test Results Warrant Full Investigation: Tour Operators Body

The association urged authorities to release the results of all 63 original samples and the corresponding retest results, along with sampling dates, batch details and test methods. If excessive ethanol adulteration is detected, authorities should identify where it occurred in the supply chain and take action against those responsible. | Photo credit: File photo

The Karnataka State Travel Agents Association has called for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities in ethanol-laced petrol test results in the state and urged the Union and state governments to conduct joint testing and make the findings public.

K. Radhakrishna Holla, president of the association, said the issue should be examined on the basis of scientific evidence and should be kept above party politics, given the concerns raised about fuel quality.

Recently, Rizwan Arshad, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Karnataka, alleged that petrol sold by several major oil companies in Karnataka contains ethanol well above the prescribed 20% level, in some cases up to 31.2%, raising questions about the transparency of ethanol-laced petrol sold to consumers across the country.

Mr Holla said the discrepancy in results needed to be investigated by determining whether samples were taken from the same outlets, on the same dates and from the same batches of fuel.

He also called for a review of sampling, sealing, shipping, storage and laboratory testing procedures. The association suggested that sealed duplicate samples, if available, should be retested in an independent laboratory. Fresh samples should also be collectively collected from the outlets covered in the original exercise and tested in accordance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) IS 17021.

The association urged authorities to release the results of all 63 original samples and the corresponding retest results, along with sampling dates, batch details and testing methods. If excessive ethanol adulteration is detected, authorities should identify where it occurred in the supply chain and take action against those responsible.

Highlighting the ethanol production capacity of Karnataka, Mr. Holla said the state has 81 operational sugar mills and an annual sugarcane and molasses based ethanol production capacity of around 225 million litres.

He also said that vehicle owners need clear information about the compatibility of their vehicles with E20 fuel. Car manufacturers should publish details of model and year compatibility, while dealers and authorized service centers should explain the implications for mileage, maintenance and warranty coverage.

The association further urged oil companies to clearly display the grade of ethanol blend at gas stations and to disclose their costs for purchasing gasoline and ethanol. Any savings from ethanol blending should be passed on to consumers through lower retail fuel prices, the company said. However, Mr. Holla noted that the association has yet to receive any formal complaints about vehicle problems attributed to ethanol-laced gasoline.

Published – 9 Nov 2026 21:09 IST