Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob on Thursday said the state government would raise concerns with the Centre over reports that rice and wheat from buffer stocks could be used for ethanol production, citing possible implications for food security, The Federal reported.

Speaking to reporters, Jacob said the department had not received any confirmed information about the proposal and was currently relying on media reports and informal inputs.

The minister said the state had consistently maintained that efforts to increase ethanol production should not compromise food security. He added that he had informally learnt during recent meetings about proposals to use rice and wheat from buffer stocks for ethanol production.

Jacob said the issue could have implications beyond Kerala and urged the Centre to intervene appropriately. He expressed confidence that the Union government would address the concerns.

Ethanol content testing underway
On inspections to check ethanol content in petrol sold in Kerala, Jacob said samples had been collected from Wayanad district on Thursday. Similar inspections had earlier been conducted in Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and other districts.

The samples have been sent to chemical laboratories, with test results expected within 10 days, he said.

Describing the exercise as unprecedented, the minister said it had raised certain procedural questions regarding the protocols to be followed. He added that the department would take stringent action against any violation of prescribed standards.

Action against hoarding
Jacob also warned of strict action against attempts to artificially increase prices of essential commodities in the state.

He said special squads had been formed to inspect markets, check hoarding and prevent artificial price increases, particularly when rumours or reports could trigger panic buying.

The minister said he had directed the Civil Supplies Commissioner to deploy the squads for inspections.

Published Date: November 13, 2026