Prashanth Rangaswamy

Protecting consumers from exploitation and ensuring accountability are our foremost responsibilities. The Department of Legal Metrology, led by Minister Shri @ArshadRizwan has conducted extensive inspections across Karnataka under Mission Nikhara. Independent laboratory tests have revealed alarming levels of ethanol blending in petrol samples from major oil companies, with some recording levels as high as 31.2%, well beyond the prescribed E20 limit. While the Union Government speaks of the benefits of ethanol blending and energy security, it cannot turn a blind eye to the violation of E20 norms and blend more ethanol thereby imposing financial burden on ordinary citizens. Reduced mileage, potential vehicle damage and rising maintenance costs are concerns that deserve serious attention. It is unacceptable that consumers should bear the cost while oil companies continue to report substantial profits. We demand that the Union Government: 1.⁠ ⁠Publicly disclose the actual ethanol content in petrol supplied across the country. 2.⁠ ⁠Initiate strict legal action against oil companies found exceeding the prescribed blending limits and make petrol pump level audit reports public. 3.⁠ ⁠Establish an E20 Damage Compensation Fund with a simple, time-bound mechanism to compensate affected vehicle owners. 4.⁠ ⁠Make disclosure of ethanol blending levels mandatory at every petrol station and ensure consumers have the choice of fuel suitable for their vehicles. The Government of Karnataka will continue its inspections and stand firmly with consumers to ensure transparency, accountability and the right to quality fuel at every petrol station.