E20 FUEL TESTING
Keralam to expand petrol pump checks if ethanol irregularities found
Keralam's Civil Supplies Department is conducting inspections of petrol samples from various outlets. This initiative follows concerns about high ethanol levels reported in Karnataka. Sample tests will determine if the fuel quality meets the required standards. Legal actions may be pursued if ethanol levels exceed permitted limits during these inspections. Initial findings will be available within ten days, ensuring consumer safety and quality fuel supply.
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Shivakumar promises minority outreach meet, assures more support for Urdu Academy
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced a meeting next week with representatives of various minority communities. This meeting aims to address their concerns and discuss enhanced financial support for the Karnataka Urdu Academy. The Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding the rights of minorities and fulfilling election manifesto commitments. Furthermore, he noted the cultural significance of Urdu in connecting diverse communities.
OMCs reject Karnataka’s high-ethanol fuel claim, seek fresh tests
State-run oil marketers in India have rejected Karnataka's claims regarding excessive ethanol content in petrol sold. They argue that the state's testing procedures lack adherence to prescribed standards and were unverified. The oil companies assert that their E20 fuel adheres to Bureau of Indian Standards and undergoes strict quality checks. They highlighted that previous tests indicated compliance within the mandated ethanol blending range.
Karnataka stands by E20 report, seeks nationwide third-party fuel testing
Karnataka has intensified its allegation regarding petrol containing ethanol levels exceeding the 20% limit. The state government is seeking independent testing from accredited laboratories and urges other states to conduct similar inspections. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad released test results indicating ethanol content as high as 31.2% in various petrol samples. Oil marketing companies have denied these allegations and questioned the sampling methodology used by Karnataka.
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Keralam testing random fuel samples for ethanol density: State Minister Anoop Jacob says 'major concern' raised in Karnataka
Keralam's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob recently declared a program to collect petrol samples for ethanol testing, aiming to address concerns voiced by Karnataka officials regarding excessive ethanol blending. Jacob underscored the necessity of consumer transparency regarding fuel components, noting that inspections in Kochi have uncovered samples currently being tested, thus igniting pivotal discussions about fuel quality across Indian states.

Karnataka to release report on alleged excess ethanol in petrol on Monday; OMCs seek joint testing
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state would release findings from inspections at 67 locations on Monday after complaints of petrol containing excessive ethanol. Kerala has also ordered tests in four districts. Oil marketing companies have rejected Karnataka's claims, questioned its testing procedures and called for joint, transparent verification.

Suresh Gopi says Karnataka, Kerala free to test petrol for ethanol content, warns against politicising issue
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said Karnataka and Kerala were free to test petrol samples for ethanol content but cautioned against politicising the issue. His remarks followed Karnataka's claim of detecting higher ethanol levels in petrol and Kerala's decision to conduct similar tests.

India's three-wheeler market takes an electric turn, with one in two new sales now EVs
Electric three-wheelers are increasingly popular in India, with sales significantly rising and concerns about fossil fuels decreasing. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility now produces a large number of e-rickshaws to meet growing demand. Drivers like Afroz Alam have reported substantial savings after switching from gas-powered models to electric versions. Analysts attribute this shift to lower operational costs and government subsidies promoting EV adoption.

E20 debate widens: Karnataka to reveal probe findings on Monday; MoS Suresh Gopi backs OMCs
Karnataka authorities are set to reveal more information regarding the alleged excessive ethanol blending in petrol. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the government has received numerous complaints from motorists concerning vehicle performance issues. Inspection teams collected petrol samples from various retail fuel outlets and ethanol blending facilities across the state. Additionally, Kerala has ordered laboratory tests on petrol samples amid this controversy.

Karnataka ethanol row: DK Shivakumar alleges excessive blending, promises evidence and documents on Monday
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has backed allegations of excessive ethanol blending in petrol sold in the state, claiming levels exceed the approved E20 limit. He said samples had been collected from 67 locations and an investigation was underway, with a minister set to present evidence and documents on Monday.

Karnataka, Keralam free to test petrol for ethanol content, but don't politicise it: Suresh Gopi
Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi emphasized the freedom of Karnataka and Keralam governments to conduct petrol tests. He also mentioned that the Centre has scientific backing for its ethanol blending policy. Gopi explained that a 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol has been approved and will be implemented gradually. The Minister cautioned against politicizing the tests, as it may lead to unnecessary controversies.

Rahul Gandhi demands clarity on ethanol blending in petrol from PM Modi amid Karnataka findings
Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Modi to clarify the ethanol blending limits in petrol. Karnataka officials claim independent tests revealed excessive ethanol levels in petrol samples. According to Gandhi, 11 out of 14 tested samples exceeded the 20% ethanol limit. Oil companies like HPCL, IOC, and BPCL have denied these accusations regarding the blending practices.

E20 petrol supplied by PSU oil firms meets prescribed quality standards: Oil Min
The government's statement confirmed compliance of 893 petrol samples with prescribed ethanol content standards. Karnataka's Department of Food contested these findings, claiming higher ethanol levels in some petrol samples. Oil marketing companies asserted their sampling procedures were not followed during inspections in Karnataka. They requested access to sampling documentation and proposed joint testing of the ethanol content.

Rahul Gandhi questions Centre over excess ethanol in E20 petrol, seeks action against oil companies
Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns regarding high ethanol levels in petrol sold in Karnataka. He claims that numerous petrol samples exceeded the prescribed limit of 20%. Oil marketing companies have disputed these allegations, asserting their fuel meets regulatory standards. Karnataka authorities are seeking accountability and transparency regarding fuel quality. An investigation into the matter has been called for to protect consumer interests.

IOCL, BPCL, HPCL dispute Karnataka's claim of excess ethanol in petrol, seek fresh tests
Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation have disputed Karnataka's ethanol content claims in petrol. They reported testing showing their supplies adhere to prescribed ethanol standards. The companies also raised concerns about the sampling and testing methods used by the state government. They noted discrepancies in density readings related to the alleged high ethanol content.

Karnataka finds ethanol content above E20 limit in petrol samples, seeks action against OMCs
The Karnataka government has accused oil marketing companies of exceeding the mandated ethanol content in petrol. Tests conducted on petrol samples showed levels surpassed the legal 20% threshold significantly. The government plans to submit its findings to the Centre and seek appropriate actions against the companies involved. It has also demanded a compensation fund and clearer disclosures at fuel stations.

Electric vehicle sales jump 45% to 3,54,625 units in October, led by e-two wheelers and burgeoning demand
Electric vehicle sales in India experienced significant growth in October, reaching 354,625 units. E-two-wheeler sales contributed most, totaling 224,064 units this year. There was also a notable increase in e-passenger vehicles, with volumes rising to 37,049 units. Electric three-wheelers grew to 88,570 units, continuing the overall upward trend in the EV market. The report indicates that demand continues to exceed supply due to rising fuel prices.

E30 petrol being sold as E20? Karnataka minister claims oil companies are supplying petrol exceeding the 20% ethanol limit
Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad has flagged alleged over-blending of ethanol in petrol after tests found concentrations of up to 31.2% in samples from major oil companies. The state has warned of possible damage to vehicle fuel systems, questioned laboratory disclosures and demanded action, consumer compensation and mandatory display of ethanol percentages at petrol pumps.

India's Karnataka finds fuel samples exceeding 20% ethanol limit, state minister says
Surveys indicate that 80% of petrol stations in Karnataka are breaching the 20% ethanol limit in petrol sales. To address this, officials gathered 63 samples for testing after oil companies neglected to reveal ethanol percentages. The introduction of E20 petrol aligns with India's objectives to cut crude imports while boosting ethanol production.

Indian car buyers trade up selectively as CNG, EVs gain ground over fuel; SUV growth reshapes price ladder
Indian passenger vehicle sales have shown a pronounced shift towards higher price bands and alternative fuel options. The ₹12 lakh-20 lakh segment grew significantly, while lower segments experienced a slight decline. Petrol vehicle registrations decreased, with CNG and electric vehicles gaining market share. Compact SUVs have become increasingly popular, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and technology advancements.

Drought threatens India's 20% ethanol blending target as food takes priority
India faces a significant challenge in its ethanol production due to the lowest monsoon rainfall experienced in over a decade. This situation has prompted New Delhi to prioritize food security over its ethanol blending targets. Estimates suggest that the ethanol blending ratio may decrease this supply year from 20% to around 15%. Producers are being squeezed by increased corn prices and reduced purchasing prices for ethanol.

India's 100% ethanol-run vehicle push faces Supreme Court question to govt over fuel supply
The Supreme Court questioned the Centre over ethanol supply for 100% ethanol-run vehicles after India amended motor vehicle rules to permit E100 flex-fuel vehicles. The government acknowledged that large-scale manufacturing changes would be necessary. The court also highlighted farmers' interests while examining ethanol allocation disputes, as the Centre ruled out increasing petrol ethanol blending beyond the current 20% level.

Nitin Gadkari says no challan for speeding up to 20% over the limit: What he told officials, when challans should be issued & what motorists must know
Nitin Gadkari has said motorists should not receive speeding challans for exceeding the applicable speed limit by up to 20%, while those crossing the threshold should be penalised. He also warned contractors over poor-quality highways, defended E20 petrol blending and called for domestic manufacturing of tunnel-boring machines as India plans major investments in tunnel infrastructure.

Gadkari urges industry to manufacture tunnel boring machines in India
Nitin Gadkari urged the industry to focus on developing tunnel machinery indigenously due to recent export controls from China. The Indian government plans to invest over Rs 7 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, including highways and tunnels. Gadkari highlighted the importance of quality in highway construction and stated that poor-performing contractors would face consequences. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to improve logistics costs and connectivity through various projects.

No intention to increase ethanol blending in fuel beyond 20%: Union minister Hardeep Puri
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said the Centre has no immediate plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level, calling misinformation about E20 fuel a “contrived narrative”.

E100 ethanol fuel allowed in India: What it is, whether you can use it in your existing petrol car & what the new rules mean
E100 ethanol fuel India: The government has amended vehicle emission rules to allow E100, a fuel containing 100% ethanol, in compatible flex-fuel vehicles alongside E85. The move supports India's push to increase ethanol use and reduce dependence on imported crude oil. However, E100 cannot be used in regular petrol cars unless they are specifically designed for the fuel, and no nationwide rollout date has been announced.
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