Kerala orders fuel ethanol inspections after Karnataka reports high blends

Kerala’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob has ordered the Civil Supplies Commissioner to inspect petrol for ethanol levels after Karnataka reported blends above the legal limit. The directive follows a meeting with the Chief Minister on the issue. Officials note that no petrol in Kerala has yet shown ethanol content beyond the 20% limit prescribed by law. Samples will be taken in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. A 2014 state notification, based on the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, empowers the commissioner and taluk supply officers to carry out inspections and pursue legal action. Jacob warned that any detection of higher ethanol levels will trigger strict penalties. ## Context Ethanol blending is part of India’s strategy to reduce fuel emissions and dependence on crude oil, with each state required to keep the blend within set limits. Monitoring compliance helps ensure fuel quality and avoid market disruptions.