Kerala begins petrol quality checks following Karnataka ethanol controversy
Authorities collected fuel samples in four districts to verify if ethanol blending exceeds permitted limits after reports from Karnataka.
The Kerala government has started inspecting petrol pumps in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur to check for excess ethanol content. According to Telangana Today, six samples were collected on Monday morning in the presence of oil company representatives.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said the inspections aim to address public concerns regarding fuel quality. The move follows reports from Karnataka where tests allegedly found ethanol levels as high as 31.2 per cent, despite the prescribed limit being 20 per cent.
The Hindu reported that Thiruvananthapuram District Supply Officer Smitha S.R. stated samples are being sent to a lab accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Minister Jacob noted that the government decided to act due to consumer complaints about potential vehicle damage and reduced mileage.
The government has not detected any instances of excess blending in Kerala so far, according to Urban Acres. However, Minister Jacob said the state would initiate legal proceedings and approach the court if tests confirm ethanol levels are beyond the permitted limit.
The Minister expects the analysis to be finished within 10 days. Further action will be determined once the testing results are received.