E20 PETROL
Rising maize diversion for ethanol production may fuel food inflation
Oil marketing companies have increased maize demand for ethanol, which is raising concerns for animal feed costs and inflation. Maize prices have doubled compared to last year amid projections of declining kharif production. Ethanol manufacturing is experiencing high competition for maize due to reduced sugarcane availability. Experts warn that heightened maize prices will affect poultry farmers and ultimately consumers.
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.
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.
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Gas hunt: RIL, ONGC, BP may share $1-billion infra facility
The shared infrastructure, under the $1-billion plan, model aims to reduce development costs, eliminate standalone facilities for smaller discoveries and improve operational efficiency and commercial viability.

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.

IOC to buy crude, LPG ships as West Asia crisis exposes shipping risks
Indian Oil Corporation aims to enhance control over its energy supply chain by acquiring crude oil carriers and LPG vessels. The company is also exploring domestic shipbuilding initiatives under the Make in India program. Amid increasing freight rates and tensions in West Asia, IOC has adjusted its shipping strategy significantly. It has diversified crude procurement, sourcing significant amounts from various countries, including Russia and Venezuela.

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.

'I will carry national flag across country, even if arrested': CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke at Kochi protest
A rally organized by the CJP commenced at Marine Drive in Kochi, led by actor Prakash Raj. The participants urged the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that over 13 crore voters have been deleted nationwide during the revision process. Police were deployed to manage crowd control and ensure safety during the protest.

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.

Vehicle registrations fall 24% in October on high base
Registrations of vehicles in October experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year's records. This drop was largely due to an earlier festive season that drove higher demand last year. Despite the decrease, certain vehicle segments like electric vehicles showed remarkable growth in registrations. The upcoming Dhanteras and Diwali festivities are expected to positively impact sales this month. Dealers remain cautiously optimistic about demand, especially in rural markets.

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.

Rs 600 for 1,000 km journey: Nitin Gadkari proposes Rs 3 per unit for EV charging at night and Rs 5 during the day to boost EV adoption
Nitin Gadkari recommended varying electricity rates for electric vehicle charging to enhance usage in Maharashtra. He indicated that costs for traveling in electric vehicles are significantly lower than petrol or diesel cars. Gadkari mentioned the potential for solar power to support cheaper night-time electricity. He provided updates on alternative fuel technologies including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Additionally, Gadkari discussed biofuels, biogas, and their role in environmental sustainability.

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.

Nitin Gadkari says Rs 100,000 crore coming to Nagpur: Rs 50,000 crore for one locality, a mega textile market & a new bus port
Nitin Gadkari has announced plans for projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore in Nagpur, including market redevelopment, a textile market, an agro convention centre and a private bus port. He also discussed Mother Dairy's upcoming Rs 1,000 crore plant, compressed biogas production and plans to boost shrimp exports from Vidarbha.

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.

E20 criticism was a ‘paid campaign’, says Nitin Gadkari amid flex-fuel push
Nitin Gadkari stated that the uproar over E20 blending in petrol was a paid campaign against it. He emphasized that many vehicles have used blends without significant issues or failures reported. The minister reviewed highway condition complaints and assured improvements in the next two years. He also noted a significant increase in the national highway network since 2014, improving connectivity.

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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