Excessive ethanol in petrol raises concerns across South India

Concerns about fuel quality standards have escalated across South India following reports of excessive ethanol blending in petrol sold at retail outlets. What began as a controversy in Karnataka has now reached Kerala, where officials have launched an investigation into compliance with established fuel specifications.

Kerala's civil supply department has initiated a sample collection drive at petrol stations across several districts to test ethanol concentration levels. The move follows allegations that some retailers in the state have been selling fuel with ethanol content significantly exceeding regulatory norms.

E20 petrol, which is formulated to contain up to 20 percent ethanol, has been promoted as an environmentally cleaner alternative to conventional fuel. However, recent findings suggest that some fuel pumps may be dispensing petrol with substantially higher ethanol percentages, potentially affecting engine performance and fuel efficiency.

The investigation underscores growing concerns about fuel quality oversight at the retail level across the region. Authorities have not yet released specific findings from their testing, but the matter has prompted increased scrutiny of fuel distribution channels and compliance mechanisms in both states.