Thiruvananthapuram, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala has launched inspections at petrol pumps in four districts to test for excess ethanol content, following reports of unusually high ethanol levels in fuel samples in neighbouring Karnataka.
Inspections were conducted at petrol stations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur on Monday morning. Six petrol samples were collected in the presence of representatives of oil companies and will be sent for laboratory testing.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said the exercise was aimed at addressing public concerns over fuel quality and was not being conducted with any preconceived conclusions. He said the government would initiate prosecution proceedings if excess ethanol content was established.
The move follows tests conducted by the Karnataka government, which reportedly found ethanol content of up to 31 per cent in petrol samples. The findings triggered a controversy, with the Centre and oil companies rejecting the results and questioning the scientific methods used.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan held discussions with Jacob following the developments in Karnataka and decided to order similar inspections in the state.
Jacob said further action would be decided after the test results were received. If the samples were found to contain ethanol beyond the permitted limit, the state government would approach the court and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible.
The issue has raised concerns among motorists, with some consumers reporting reduced mileage and vehicle damage allegedly linked to petrol with higher ethanol content. Jacob said the government wanted to establish the facts and address consumer concerns, stressing that the inspections were not aimed at any particular oil company.
The results of Kerala’s tests are expected to draw attention amid the wider debate over ethanol blending in petrol and compliance with prescribed fuel quality standards.
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