Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi cautioned against politicising the ethanol-blending issue after state governments announced plans to conduct tests.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said on Sunday that the Karnataka and Kerala governments are free to test petrol samples to check ethanol content. According to The Economic Times, his remarks follow claims by the Karnataka government that its tests detected higher ethanol levels in petrol at fuel stations.
The Kerala government decided on Saturday to conduct similar tests. Responding to reporters in Thrissur, Gopi asserted that the Centre has scientific backing for its ethanol-blending policy.
Gopi stated that the Centre has approved 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He added that the transition is being implemented gradually after assessing scientific implications and feasibility.
The Minister cautioned against using the matter for political purposes. He said that if people engage in unnecessary political mudslinging and create controversies for political purposes, it would be necessary to see who is ultimately affected and where the consequences will fall.
