Kerala Launches Random Check At Petrol Pumps On Alleged Excess Ethanol In E20 Petrol

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Kerala government has launched a random inspections at petrol pumps in the states, after sample testing in Karnataka recently exposed ethanol level far beyond the prescribed 20% level.

The samples tested in Karnataka shockingly discovered petrol with ethanol as high as 31%, raising questions about the transparency and accountability in the ethanol-blended petrol being sold across the country.

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The Kerala government launched the check at random petrol pumps, collecting samples for the test. On Monday, November 9, Food and civil supply minister Anoop Jacob announced the inspections in four districts – Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram.

Officials are reportedly collecting samples from several pumps, which will be sent to the labs accredited by the National Accreditation Board for testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for analysis.

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According to the minister, the sample analysis will be completed in a timely manner and the results are expected within ten days. The minister highlighted that the government decided to monitor the fuel after inspection in Karnataka exposed high ethanol mix in the E20 petrol. The rising complaints by the consumers also prompted the government to take the move, the minister added.