Kerala has launched inspections and laboratory testing at select petrol outlets across four districts to check whether ethanol-blended petrol contains more than the prescribed 20% limit. The move follows allegations by Karnataka that petrol samples collected in the state contained higher-than-permitted levels of ethanol.
Kerala Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob directed the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to inspect fuel outlets and collect samples for testing. Samples are being collected from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.
The minister said no confirmed case of excess ethanol blending had been reported in Kerala so far. However, the government ordered the checks following reports from Karnataka and complaints about vehicle performance.
The samples will be examined at government chemical laboratories, and results are expected within 10 days. Jacob said strict action would be taken if fuel outlets are found violating prescribed standards.
What Triggered Kerala’s Petrol Testing?
The inspections follow Karnataka’s allegations that petrol sold at certain retail outlets contained ethanol levels significantly above the prescribed 20% blend.
Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad had said laboratory tests found ethanol levels of 31.2% in samples from Indian Oil Corporation outlets and 30.5% in samples from Hindustan Petroleum outlets. The state said its testing covered petrol samples collected from several districts.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said samples were collected from 67 locations and that the government would release its inspection findings. Motorists have reportedly complained of reduced mileage and vehicles stalling.
Oil Companies and Centre Dispute Karnataka’s Findings
Public sector oil marketing companies Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have rejected the allegations. They have questioned the sampling and testing procedures used in Karnataka and called for joint sampling and independent verification.
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said 893 samples collected across 27 states and Union Territories were found compliant with prescribed quality standards. It also said all 56 samples tested in Karnataka recorded ethanol content between 19% and 20%.
The ministry maintained that E20 petrol supplied by public sector oil companies meets the Bureau of Indian Standards’ specifications.
Strict Action If Violations Are Found
Kerala’s Civil Supplies Department has said officials are authorised to inspect fuel outlets and initiate legal action under the applicable fuel supply and distribution regulations.
The government has stressed that the inspections are intended to verify fuel quality and protect consumers. The findings from the four districts will determine whether further action is required against any petrol outlet.
