The Kerala state government launched nationwide surprise inspections and laboratory testing of E20 petrol samples across retail fuel outlets on Monday, 9 November 2026, amid growing concerns over excessive ethanol blending levels.
The enforcement action, spearheaded by the Kerala Civil Supplies Department, follows claims from neighbouring Karnataka that ethanol concentrations in commercial petrol have exceeded the statutory 20% limit, causing engine damage and reduced fuel mileage.
Statewide Sampling Drive & Lab Testing
Enforcement teams collected random one-litre petrol samples across northern and southern districts, establishing a formal chain of custody in the presence of oil marketing company representatives:
- Ernakulam Inspections: Civil Supplies Department officials conducted targeted testing at an Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) pump in Chembumukku, Ernakulam, sending multiple sealed fuel batches to state-owned chemical laboratories.
- Consumer Right to Transparency: Kerala Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob emphasized that motorists have a fundamental right to clear information regarding fuel composition, quality, and blending percentages.
- Engine Risk Warnings: State authorities highlighted widespread consumer complaints regarding mechanical wear, moisture contamination, and mileage loss in older vehicle engines exposed to high ethanol ratios.
Inter-State Audit Claims & Ministry Response
The enforcement push follows a November 6 state-level audit released by Karnataka authorities:
- Karnataka Findings: Laboratory tests on 63 petrol samples collected across Karnataka allegedly revealed ethanol concentrations ranging between 26% and 31%—significantly higher than the prescribed 20% ceiling.
- Union Ministry Rejection: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas rejected the state-level findings, stating that 893 independent E20 petrol samples tested across 27 states and Union Territories strictly met quality standards.
- Oil Companies’ Stance: State-run oil marketing companies (IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL) affirmed that ethanol blending is executed through automated terminal systems, preventing manual tampering at retail depots.
