Ethanol-blended petrol row: Shivakumar questions BJP’s silence

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar speaking to the media in Mysuru on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday took a swipe at State BJP leaders for maintaining silence on concerns over discrepancies in the test results of ethanol-blended petrol.“Instead of raising this issue, which affects lakhs of petrol vehicle users in the State who are reportedly facing engine problems, reduced mileage and breakdowns, the State BJP is staging protests against price rise. The State wants the Centre to respond to the test results,” he told reporters in Mysuru.Questioning the BJP leaders’ silence, Mr. Shivakumar asked whether the problems faced by people using ethanol-blended petrol were not visible to them.Seeking a comprehensive examination of the laboratory test results of samples collected from 67 petrol distributors, the Chief Minister said the discrepancies in ethanol blending levels required an explanation from the Centre. “We have already informed the Centre about the test results. It is the Centre’s responsibility to provide an answer,” he said.The Karnataka government had said that petrol sold (samples collected from 67 petrol stations) contained ethanol in excess of the prescribed 20% limit following lab tests and sought transparency on the issue.Mr. Shivakumar claimed that petrol vehicle users were suffering losses owing to engine-related and other technical problems allegedly linked to the ethanol blend.Mr. Shivakumar also criticised State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy for their recent remarks against Congress leaders.Boards and corporationsThe Chief Minister said he had signed the first list of 500 directors to be appointed to various boards and corporations and that it would be released.Two more lists of appointments would also be announced, he said, adding that all senior legislators would be appointed to various boards and corporations as chairpersons and other posts. The appointment process had already begun, he added.The announcement of appointments to boards and corporations is being seen as a Deepavali gift to party workers. Published - November 11, 2026 07:48 pm IST