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Questions from Karnataka Government on Central Government's Ethanol Blending Policy
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'E-20' petrol is expected to contain 20 percent ethanol
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Karnataka government laboratory tests claim up to 31.2 percent ethanol in some samples
Bangalore : The Karnataka government has raised serious questions over the central government's ethanol blending policy. The Center is also tampering with the ethanol blend, and lab tests conducted by the Karnataka government have revealed that up to 31.2 percent ethanol is being mixed under the name of 'E20'. Karnataka State Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad released the lab report and alleged that it was a direct fraud on the consumers.
There were constant complaints to the government regarding ethanol blending. Subsequently, the Karnataka government collected 63 samples of petrol from petrol pumps in various districts of the state. After sending these samples to the laboratories of the respective government and private oil companies, a clear report on the exact percentage of ethanol in the petrol was called for. However, the amount of ethanol is not clearly stated by the oil companies. Therefore, the state government tested these samples in its official private laboratories.
The numbers in the lab report are shocking. Samples taken from seven districts of Karnataka were found to contain more than the prescribed 20 percent ethanol. It has been claimed that four out of every five petrol pumps in the state are selling petrol containing more ethanol than the prescribed limit. Interestingly, none of the samples tested contained exactly 20 percent ethanol.
1 lakh crore per year
The Karnataka government claims that if vehicle mileage drops to 10 percent due to ethanol blending, the cost to vehicle owners will be around Rs 62,000 crore every year. Apart from this, due to increase in servicing and maintenance cost of vehicles, there may be a loss of around 39 thousand crore rupees. Therefore, the government has expressed the possibility that the total loss will go up to around Rs 1 lakh crore.
Give refunds to vehicle owners
Minister Rizwan Arshad has demanded the central government's intervention in the matter. He demanded that the Center create a 'spoilage fund' to compensate or reimburse motorists who use ethanol blended petrol beyond the prescribed limit.
FAQ
1. What is E-20 Petrol?
E-20 is fuel with 20% ethanol added to petrol.
2. What is the allegation made by the Government of Karnataka?
It has been alleged that up to 31.2 percent ethanol is being mixed in petrol under the name of E-20.
3. Who made this disclosure?
Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad disclosed this.