Illegal Ethanol Blending? Kerala orders Petrol quality checks after Karnataka malpractice

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has ordered inspections across the state following reports that petrol is being sold with ethanol blended in excess of the prescribed limit. Minister Anoop Jacob has directed the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to conduct the inspections.

The minister issued the directive after holding discussions with the Chief Minister. There are currently no reports of petrol being blended with excess ethanol in Kerala. The inspection was ordered following the detection of a similar malpractice in Karnataka. Samples will be collected from various locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts for testing.

Under a state notification issued in 2014, in accordance with the Central Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, officials ranging from the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to Taluk Supply Officers have been authorised to conduct inspections and initiate legal action. The minister said strict action would be taken if adulteration is detected.