Bengaluru, Nov. 11 -- Karnataka's escalating controversy over ethanol-blended petrol has gained a new dimension with the Karnataka State Travel Operators Association (KSTOA) seeking an independent probe into conflicting laboratory findings, raising questions over fuel quality, vehicle compatibility and the financial burden on transport operators and motorists.

In a representation to the Centre and the Karnataka government, the association has demanded the publication of original test reports and subsequent retest findings of E20 petrol samples collected from 63 locations across the state.

It has also sought details of sample collection dates, testing procedures and laboratory methods to establish the actual ethanol content in petrol being...