Keralam Government launches surprise inspections at petrol pumps to check ethanol blending levels

The Keralam government has launched surprise inspections at petrol pumps across the State to verify ethanol blending levels in petrol, following concerns raised in neighbouring Karnataka over alleged excessive ethanol content in fuel.

Officials have reportedly begun collecting petrol samples from fuel stations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur as part of the inspection drive. The exercise aims to ascertain whether oil marketing companies are complying with the prescribed 20 per cent ethanol-blending limit under the government's E20 programme.

The inspections come in the wake of reports from Karnataka, where testing reportedly found ethanol content of up to 32.1 per cent in petrol samples. The findings have triggered a debate over fuel quality, vehicle compatibility and the possible impact of higher ethanol concentrations on engines.

The issue has also gained attention amid complaints from vehicle owners about alleged damage and performance-related problems associated with ethanol-blended petrol. The Keralam government's inspection drive is expected to examine whether fuel supplied at retail outlets conforms to the prescribed standards.

The controversy has intensified following objections raised by Karnataka ministers, who have questioned oil marketing companies over the State's fuel-testing findings and demanded greater clarity on the impact of higher ethanol blends on ordinary cars and two-wheelers.

The Keralam inspections are aimed at checking compliance and addressing public concerns over fuel quality. The results of the sample testing are expected to provide further clarity on ethanol levels in petrol sold across the State.