Keralam Launches Inspections on Petrol Outlets Amid Ethanol Concerns

In response to rising concerns over ethanol levels in petrol, Keralam's Minister Anoop Jacob has initiated inspections at petrol stations across four districts. This decision follows allegations from Karnataka that fuel was being sold with ethanol content exceeding the legal limit, leading to vehicle damage complaints. The government aims to reassure the public by collecting samples for testing, with results expected soon. The situation has sparked a debate over fuel quality and regulatory compliance among oil marketing companies, who have denied the allegations. Read on to discover more about the implications of these inspections and the ongoing discussions surrounding fuel standards.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 9, 2026, 13:27 IST

Government Action in Response to Ethanol Allegations

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister Anoop Jacob announced on Monday that inspections are being conducted at petrol stations across four districts in response to allegations from Karnataka regarding excessive ethanol content in fuel.

Jacob informed reporters that, in addition to the issues raised in Karnataka, there have been complaints in Keralam about vehicle damage, prompting the government to initiate these inspections.

"Given the public's concerns about potential vehicle damage and the possibility of ethanol levels exceeding the legal limit, it is our duty to address these worries. Hence, we have mandated these inspections," he stated.

The Minister for Food and Civil Supplies indicated that samples would be collected randomly and sent to a government laboratory for analysis, with results expected within ten days.

He emphasized that fuel should not contain more than 20 percent ethanol, and any breaches of this regulation could result in the closure of the outlet and legal action against those responsible.

Samples are being gathered from various locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts.

Jacob previously mentioned that a 2014 state notification, under the Central Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, empowers officials from the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to Taluk Supply Officers to conduct inspections and take legal measures.

In Karnataka, allegations have surfaced that major oil marketing firms are supplying petrol with ethanol levels exceeding the 20 percent limit, with some tests indicating levels as high as 31.2 percent. The Karnataka government is pursuing action against these companies.

Rizwan Arshad, Karnataka's Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology, stated at a recent press briefing that these allegations stem from tests conducted on petrol samples from various regions, including Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

Public sector oil marketing companies have denied claims that petrol sold at certain retail locations in Karnataka contained up to 31 percent ethanol, asserting that the E20 petrol they provide nationwide adheres to IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.

The companies have also expressed concerns regarding the sampling methods and procedures used during the testing conducted in October 2026.