India continues crack down on fuel adulteration

The state government of Chennai in India delegated power to officials of several departments allowing them to take action against those involved in fuel adulteration, hoarding and other fuel-related malpractices. Across India, adulteration of petrol and diesel from points of sale and during transportation is rampant due to the availability of several close substitutes. Diesel fuel is commonly adulterated with kerosene, and naphtha is mixed with petrol. Although many customers buy fuel only from outlets owned and operated by petroleum manufacturing companies, outlets selling adulterated fuel continue to proliferate. (July 19, 2012)