31.2% ethanol in E20 petrol: Keralam orders statewide inspections
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Thiruvananthapuram: Keralam has ordered inspections at petrol pumps following complaints that petrol may contain ethanol beyond prescribed limits, putting fuel quality and oil companies’ assurances under scrutiny.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob directed the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Commissioner to conduct the checks. Though no such irregularities have been reported in Keralam, allegations of excessive blending in neighbouring Karnataka prompted the state to step up vigilance.
In the first phase, samples will be collected from pumps in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts and sent to the Drugs and Chemicals Department for testing.
The move follows Karnataka’s findings that tests on 63 samples from Bengaluru and six other districts showed ethanol concentrations of up to 31.2%, exceeding the 20% limit. Samples from outlets of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), Nayara Energy, Shell and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) reportedly crossed the benchmark.
The three public sector oil companies rejected the findings. In a joint statement, they claimed E20 petrol supplied through their outlets contains 19% to 21% ethanol and meets Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification IS 17021. They questioned the sampling process, the absence of company representatives during October inspections and the lack of access to retained samples, outlet details and laboratory reports. They also challenged testing methods and cited alleged discrepancies in density readings.
The companies further argued that sampling did not follow the 2005 Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order and the 2024 Marketing Discipline Guidelines, which they said require six one-litre samples.
Keralam’s inspections will follow the state’s 2014 notification issued under the 2005 order. Officials from the Civil Supplies Commissioner to Taluk Supply Officers are authorised to inspect outlets and initiate legal action. Jacob has warned of strict action if fuel adulteration is detected.