Karnataka and Kerala launch fuel inspections over ethanol blending concerns

The Karnataka government is maintaining its findings that petrol samples contain ethanol levels as high as 31.2 percent, significantly exceeding the prescribed 20 percent limit. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad stated that independent, NABL-accredited laboratories verified these results after oil marketing companies (OMCs) failed to provide specific ethanol percentages for 63 initial samples. Arshad warned that such high concentrations could damage vehicle engines and called for nationwide independent third-party testing.

In response to the controversy and reports of vehicle damage, the Kerala government has initiated random inspections at petrol stations across four districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Minister Anoop Jacob announced that samples will be sent to government laboratories, with results expected within 10 days. The state warned that any violation of the 20 percent limit would result in the sealing of outlets and legal prosecution.

Oil marketing companies, including BPCL and HPCL, have rejected the allegations. They maintain that their testing shows compliance with E20 standards, with average ethanol content recorded between 19 and 20 percent. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also dismissed the claims as propaganda, arguing that India does not produce enough ethanol to support the higher blending levels alleged by the Karnataka government.