Excess ethanol in petrol: Keralam launches random checks at pumps after Karnataka detects high levels

In samples collected in Karnataka, the level of ethanol in some cases was found to be as high as 31.2%, raising questions about transparency in the ethanol-blended petrol being sold to consumers across the country. | Photo Credit:  Getty Images/iStockphoto

After sample testing in Karnataka revealed that petrol sold by several major oil companies in the State contained ethanol far above the prescribed 20% level, the Keralam government has also begun inspections in fuel outlets to check ethanol levels. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob on Monday (November 9, 2026) announced random inspections at fuel outlets in four districts – Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur.

Thiruvananthapuram District Supply Officer Smitha S.R. told The Hindu that samples are being collected from two pumps in the district, which will be sent to a lab accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for analysis.

“We have completed a sample collection from one of the pumps. Samples from one more pump will be collected today (Monday),” she said.

In samples collected in Karnataka, the level of ethanol in some cases was found to be as high as 31.2%, raising questions about transparency in the ethanol-blended petrol being sold to consumers across the country. The Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs as well as Taluk Supply Officers have the powers to conduct inspections and initiate legal action as per a 2014 notification issued by the State government.

Concerns raised by consumers

Mr. Jacob said the sample analysis will be completed in a timebound manner, with results expected within 10 days.

He said the government decided to go ahead with the inspections considering the developments in Karnataka as well as the complaints and concerns raised by consumers regarding possible damage to their vehicles due to contaminated fuel. 

Published - November 09, 2026 01:45 pm IST