Kerala to launch widespread checks on ethanol content in petrol from tomorrow

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to launch inspections to determine whether petrol contains ethanol beyond the prescribed limit. Fuel samples will be collected from various locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts from tomorrow.

Samples will be collected from petrol pumps as well as tanker lorries transporting fuel to distribution centres.

The inspections will be conducted under the supervision of district supply officers. The plan is to collect samples from five petrol pumps across the four districts and from the tankers supplying fuel to them.

Six samples will be collected from each location. Two samples will be sent to laboratories for testing, while another two will be stored at Civil Supplies warehouses. The remaining two will be sealed and kept at the respective petrol pumps.

The decision to collect six samples is aimed at ensuring the possibility of further testing if irregularities are detected or doubts arise over the results. Officials have already received initial training in conducting the inspections.

Petroleum companies had earlier opposed similar inspections in Karnataka, arguing that they were not conducted in accordance with the prescribed standards. Against this backdrop, it remains unclear whether Kerala's inspections will follow all the required guidelines.

Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob has said strict action will be taken if any irregularities are detected in the fuel. The inspections come amid ongoing discussions over the ethanol content in E20 petrol.