India

Keralam Launches Random Ethanol Tests at Fuel Stations Amid Karnataka Allegations

By PTI

In response to complaints from the public about vehicle damage and concerns over ethanol levels in fuel, Keralam’s Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Anoop Jacob, announced on Monday that random inspections would be conducted at petrol outlets in four districts. The inspections will involve collecting samples randomly and sending them to a government laboratory, where results will be available within ten days. Jacob stated that any outlet found selling fuel with more than 20 per cent ethanol will be sealed and the responsible parties prosecuted. Samples are being taken from locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur. The minister cited a 2014 state notification that empowers officials from the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to Taluk Supply Officers to conduct inspections and initiate legal action.

The move follows allegations from Karnataka that major oil marketing companies were selling petrol with ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit, with some tests reportedly showing levels as high as 31.2 per cent. Karnataka’s Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Minister Rizwan Arshad said the allegations were based on samples collected from Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mangaluru and Tumakuru. Public sector oil marketing companies have denied that their petrol contained up to 31 per cent ethanol, asserting that their E20 petrol complies with IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol‑blended motor gasoline. They have also raised concerns about the sampling procedure and methodology used in the October 2026 testing exercise.