Bengaluru: Karnataka Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad has reiterated the state government’s findings on E20 petrol, demanding independent testing to establish the actual ethanol content in fuel sold to consumers.
Arshad said the state conducted its sampling in accordance with the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 2005. He alleged that oil marketing companies (OMCs) failed to report ethanol percentages in the initial 63 samples, prompting the government to approach independent NABL-accredited and ISO-certified laboratories for verification.
Questioning the Centre’s response, the minister said the key issue remained unanswered: the actual ethanol content in petrol supplied to consumers.
He said OMCs must take responsibility for fuel quality, as ethanol blending is controlled at refineries and terminals. Independent laboratory testing, rather than self-certification by oil companies, was essential, he added.
Arshad urged other state governments to conduct independent ethanol tests and called on the Centre to initiate nationwide testing through accredited third-party agencies.
He said Karnataka stood by its findings and would continue to push for transparency, accountability and consumer rights.