Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said petrol samples had been collected and tested at 67 locations across the state following complaints that increased ethanol blending was affecting vehicle engine performance.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said, “The government has taken serious note of complaints regarding 31.5 per cent ethanol being blended into petrol. Necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned minister in this regard, and information has also been sent to the central government.”

Thousands of motorists have complained about various issues, including reduced vehicle mileage, failure to cover expected distances, and engines stalling while in motion, he said.

According to the CM, inspections had been carried out not only at petrol pumps but also at the stages of ethanol blending and distribution.

Documents relating to where and how the blending was being undertaken had also been collected.

“The concerned minister will officially hold a press conference on Monday to provide details regarding the inspection report and the next course of action,” Shivakumar said.

Holding the Centre responsible for addressing the issue, he said, “The Centre cannot shirk responsibility on this matter. Vehicle performance, fuel quality, and public safety are paramount.”

“It is not right to increase the blending ratio simply to profit from ethanol being available at a lower cost. Causing inconvenience to the public is not acceptable,” he said.

Shivakumar said his government was taking the complaints seriously and questioned the silence of BJP and JD(S) leaders on the issue.

“Why are BJP and JD(S) leaders, as well as Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, silent on this issue? Everyone must raise their voice on matters concerning the public interest,” he said.