Bengaluru, Nov. 6 -- Congress minister Rizwan Arshad has alleged that petrol samples collected from seven districts in Karnataka contained ethanol in excess of the prescribed 20 percent blend, raising concerns over fuel quality, vehicle performance and consumer rights.

Citing test results, Arshad claimed that samples collected from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) outlets showed ethanol content of 31.2 per cent and 30.5 per cent, respectively. He alleged that the findings indicated a serious violation of standards and called for immediate intervention by the authorities.

Describing the alleged excess blending as a breach of public trust, the minister demanded strict action against ...