Rizwan Arshad 'Karnataka Govt Stands by Claim of Excess Ethanol in Petrol'

The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of Karnataka, Rizwan Arshad on Monday said the state government stands by its report that oil marketing companies (OMCs) are blending more than 20 per cent Ethanol in petrol, despite the companies' rejection of the claim.

Addressing a press conference, Arshad said the Karnataka government had last Friday released a report stating that petrol samples from seven districts were tested, and most showed an Ethanol blend above 20 per cent, going up to 31.2 per cent.

"This is contrary to the government policy that they will blend only E20



fuel," he said.

He said the OMCs disputed the findings after the state explained where the samples were tested and what methodology was used, claiming the state was wrong.

"I want to tell everyone in the country, assure them, that the Government of Karnataka stands by its report and claims that oil marketing companies are blending more than 20 per cent Ethanol in petrol, which will cause serious damage to the engines of vehicles, and it will burden the common man," Arshad said.

He added that the OMCs had tried to "wash their hands" by saying it was an issue of certain outlets.