"Nothing to Do With Us": CM Shivakumar Slams Excess Ethanol Mixing at Karnataka Petrol Bunks
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar alleges petrol bunks are mixing ethanol beyond limits, causing vehicle failure, while the Centre denies any quality breach.
A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the quality of fuel being sold at retail outlets, with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar alleging that ethanol mixing in Karnataka has far exceeded the government-approved limits. The Chief Minister has claimed that this unauthorized blending is happening directly at petrol bunks to increase profit margins, leading to widespread vehicle malfunctions across the state.
Engine Failures and Mileage Drops: The Public Outcry
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Chief Minister Shivakumar highlighted the distress of thousands of vehicle owners. According to the CM, the state has received numerous complaints regarding engines stalling repeatedly and a significant drop in fuel mileage.
He clarified that his stance is not driven by political motives, stating, "This is not about being an opposition party. I am not speaking as an opposition person like R Ashoka." He emphasized that the primary goal is to protect citizens from dangerous fuel practices.
State Investigation and Evidence
The Karnataka government has already initiated a probe into the matter, with the Chief Minister revealing that approximately 30 per cent of the investigation is complete. Key details of the state's action include:
- Sample Collection: Samples have been collected from 67 different locations.
- Source of Mixing: The CM asserted that documents prove the mixing is occurring at the distribution point—the petrol bunks—rather than at the refineries.
- Profit Motive: He alleged that because ethanol is available at a lower price, some operators are mixing it in excess to reap higher profits.
A Minister is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to reveal the full details and present the supporting documents to the public.
The Centre's Strong Denial
The allegations have sparked a clash between the state and the Union government. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has categorically refuted the claims, stating that all 893 samples of E20 petrol tested across 27 States and Union Territories met the prescribed quality standards.
Three major state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)—Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited—have pointed out that ethanol blending is a strictly controlled, automated process. They argue that manual intervention at the retail level is not how the system operates.
Political Firestorm: "Digging Their Own Grave"
The row has taken a sharp political turn. Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, defended the 20 per cent blending limit, stating it is based on rigorous scientific evidence. He issued a stern warning, suggesting that if technical issues are twisted for political gain, those responsible would be "digging their own grave."
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress leader and UP AICC in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam claimed that some petrol pump association representatives suggested blending levels could reach as high as 40 per cent. He alleged that pump owners are afraid to speak out for fear of the government shutting down their businesses.
"If we raise our voices against this, the government would turn against them and force their petrol pumps to shut down... Such excessive ethanol blending causes vehicles to break," alleged Rajendra Pal Gautam.