Random Ethanol Testing Commences at Select Fuel Outlets in Keralam

Keralam Minister Anoop Jacob on Monday said that random inspections were being carried out at petrol outlets in four districts following allegations in Karnataka that fuel was being sold with ethanol content above the prescribed limit.

Jacob told the media that besides the findings in Karnataka, complaints have been received in Keralam regarding vehicles being damaged and therefore, the government decided to order the inspections.

"In view of complaints being received from the public about vehicles being damaged and the apprehensions they have about the presence of more than permissible limits of ethanol in fuel,



it is the government's responsibility to allay their fears. That is why the inspections have been ordered," he said.

The food and civil supplies minister said that samples will be collected randomly and sent for testing at a government lab from where the results will be available within 10 days.

He said that more than 20 per cent of ethanol is not permitted in fuel and any violation will lead to sealing of the outlet and initiation of prosecution against those responsible.

The samples are being collected from various locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.