The Kerala government has launched random fuel quality checks in four districts following reports of high ethanol levels in neighbouring Karnataka.
Kerala has started random inspections at petrol pumps in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur following complaints regarding fuel quality and vehicle damage, according to Business Today and Telangana Today.
The move follows allegations from Karnataka that petrol samples contained ethanol concentrations as high as 31.2 per cent, exceeding the 20 per cent limit set under the E20 programme.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said samples were collected on Monday morning in the presence of oil company representatives. He stated that the results from government laboratories are expected within 10 days.
Jacob noted that no confirmed instances of excessive ethanol blending have been reported in Kerala so far. He warned that outlets found violating standards could face legal action and sealing.
In Karnataka, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state had collected petrol samples from 67 locations after motorists reported engine stalling and reduced mileage. He said the state has informed the Union government about the issue.
The Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry and oil companies have rejected the Karnataka findings. The ministry stated that 893 samples tested across 27 states and Union Territories showed ethanol levels within the 19 per cent to 21 per cent range.
