Is your petrol too ethanol-heavy? Keralam starts testing samples in Kochi

Wondering what exactly is going into your tank? So is Keralam. The state has started collecting petrol samples to check how much ethanol they contain.

What happened?

Inspections have been carried out at fuel stations in Kochi, and samples have gone to laboratories for analysis. Keralam's minister Anoop Jacob stressed that consumers have a right to know the quality of the fuel they buy.

The move follows Karnataka's claim that some petrol sold there contained more ethanol than the prescribed limit. Karnataka raised concerns that such fuel could damage vehicles.

Why is everyone talking about it?

India's E20 petrol is meant to contain 20% ethanol, a plant-based fuel blended with petrol. Karnataka minister Rizwan Arshad says the state stands by its findings: some samples showed more than 20%, with readings of up to 31.2%.

He says the oil marketing companies' own laboratories failed to provide the required result, which raised suspicion. The samples were then sent to NABL-accredited (nationally certified) and ISO-certified labs. He is demanding independent fuel testing.

The Ministry of Petroleum, however, says all samples it tested met quality standards.

A quick recap

India reached widespread sale of E20 in 2025, ahead of its 2030 target. Soon after, some vehicle owners and groups raised worries about mileage and engine damage. The petroleum ministry defended the blend as safe.

What's next?

Keralam is now waiting for its laboratory results. Those numbers will show whether the state's petrol matches the standards the Centre insists it meets.