Kerala tests petrol in 4 districts over suspected excess ethanol content
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has launched inspections at fuel stations in four districts to verify the ethanol content in petrol following a controversy over alleged excessive blending in neighbouring Karnataka.
Teams collected six petrol samples from outlets in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur on Monday in the presence of representatives of oil companies.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said the exercise was intended to address consumer concerns and establish whether the fuel being sold complied with prescribed quality standards. He clarified that the inspections were not directed at any particular oil company.
The samples will be sent for laboratory analysis, and the government will decide on further action based on the findings. If excess ethanol content is confirmed, the state plans to initiate prosecution and approach the court against those responsible.
The inspections followed reports of tests conducted by the Karnataka government, which allegedly detected ethanol levels of up to 31 per cent in petrol samples. The findings triggered a dispute, with the Centre and oil companies questioning the testing procedures and rejecting the conclusions.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had discussed the issue with Jacob before ordering similar checks in Kerala.
The controversy has also prompted concerns among motorists over possible effects of higher ethanol blending on vehicle performance, mileage and engine components. Kerala's test results are expected to provide clarity on the quality of petrol supplied in the state.
With IANS inputs