The state is conducting random tests after Karnataka reported ethanol levels exceeding the E20 limit in some fuel samples.
Keralam has started random inspections of petrol pumps across four districts to verify ethanol concentrations, according to The Hindu. The move follows reports from Karnataka where tested petrol samples allegedly contained ethanol levels as high as 31.2 per cent, exceeding the E20 limit.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said on Monday that samples are being taken from northern and southern districts. He noted that the civil supplies commission is authorised to collect these samples following protocols that include requesting the presence of oil company representatives.
Jacob stated that the collected fuel has been sent to government-owned chemical laboratories for testing. He described the concerns raised by Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as a major issue affecting the entire country, noting that high ethanol levels can reduce vehicle mileage and cause damage.
In Kochi, the Civil Supplies Department inspected fuel pumps to check E20 petrol density. District Civil Supplies Officer Shaji PR said six one-litre samples were taken, with two sent to an analytical chemical laboratory in Kakinada for results.
The controversy follows claims by Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad that fuel with more than 20 per cent ethanol could damage vehicle components. Arshad announced on November 6 that 63 samples had been collected from various districts and oil companies.
