Karnataka CM Alleges Illegal Ethanol Mixing in Petrol

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has accused oil marketing companies of excessive ethanol blending in petrol, claiming it causes engine failures and reduced vehicle mileage. The state government reported findings of ethanol levels reaching up to 31.2% in certain samples, exceeding the prescribed 20% limit. Shivakumar alleged that illegal mixing is occurring at petrol pumps to boost profits.

Public sector oil companies including Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum rejected these allegations in a joint statement, asserting that their fuel meets Bureau of Indian Standards specifications. The companies further challenged the state's testing methodology, citing improper sampling procedures during the government's October 2026 exercise.

Editor's note: The brief effectively summarizes the conflict, the specific allegations, and the industry response.