Keralam Begins Petrol Ethanol Tests in Four Districts

Keralam has begun collecting petrol samples in four districts for laboratory tests of ethanol content, following reports of high readings in neighbouring Karnataka. The results are pending, and the state has not established that excess ethanol is present in its fuel.

Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob announced the random inspections on November 9 in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur. Officials collected samples from fuel pumps for laboratory analysis. Jacob said the results were expected within 10 days and that the government would pursue prosecution if testing found ethanol above the prescribed level.

The sampling is intended to examine fuel quality amid consumer concerns and scrutiny of Karnataka’s findings. Keralam officials have said the inspections were not based on a predetermined conclusion or directed at a particular oil company. The state’s laboratory results will determine whether further action is taken.

The Civil Supplies Department plans to extend sampling to Alappuzha, Idukki and Wayanad on Thursday, November 12, according to officials. The proposed checks would include pumps in rural, coastal and hilly areas. Officials said the districts were...