Kerala Government Intensifies Inspections on Ethanol Blending in Petrol
Keralas government has ordered increased inspections of petrol pumps to check ethanol blending levels amid rising consumer concerns.
Thiruvananthapuram, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Kerala government has directed the Civil Supplies Department to ramp up inspections at petrol stations across the state to determine whether ethanol blending exceeds the prescribed limits. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced this initiative via a post on social media platform X.
In response to growing consumer concerns in Karnataka and serious discrepancies reported during inspections, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for thorough checks. “To verify whether ethanol blending is within the set limits, inspections at petrol pumps will be intensified,” he stated.
As part of the initial phase, fuel samples were collected from nine petrol stations in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur. These samples were taken according to established procedures and will be tested in accredited laboratories to assess the ethanol content and compliance with fuel quality standards. Results are expected within ten days.
Satheesan also noted that inspections at petrol stations in Kerala would be expanded further. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against those found violating established standards. On a national level, Rahul Gandhi has raised serious concerns regarding ethanol blending and has called for accountability from the central government. He urged the government to clarify the actual levels of ethanol being mixed in petrol and what actions are being taken against companies that violate regulations.
The Chief Minister stressed that consumers have the right to know what is in the fuel they purchase, especially as it impacts vehicle performance, maintenance costs, and their financial interests. “Protecting consumer rights and ensuring the availability of quality fuel are responsibilities that cannot be compromised. The interests of oil companies cannot take precedence over the rights and welfare of the public,” he asserted.
Satheesan concluded by stating that the Kerala government would approach this issue with utmost seriousness, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of fuel quality standards.
