Karnataka vs Kerala Clash Over E20 Ethanol-Blend Petrol

The dispute has emerged after Kerala announced plans to roll out E20 petrol nationwide, while Karnataka has expressed concerns about safety and vehicle compatibility. E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol, which can affect older engines and fuel systems not designed for alcohol blends. Karnataka officials cite studies indicating potential engine wear and fuel economy losses. Kerala's transport department argues that E20 meets national standards and can reduce carbon emissions, pointing to pilot projects showing minimal impact on vehicle performance. The debate has prompted the Ministry of Petroleum to review the guidelines and may lead to a revised policy on ethanol-blended fuels across states.