Govt launches kerosene marker to check adulteration

The government today launched a new marker system to detect adulteration of kerosene in petrol and diesel.

Under the system, kerosene would be dyed with an imported marker, which, once induced in the adulterant (kerosene), cannot be removed or tampered with. The marker would be imported from UK-based Authentix.

Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said the adulteration of diesel and petrol with marker-blended kerosene can be immediately seen through a simple visual check-up when tested using a simple kit.

"Adulteration of transportation fuel is a social menace we are committed to fight," he said adding the basic motive for adulteration continues to be the difference in price between fuels that are largely similar in composition.

An NACER study, in September 2005, had concluded that 38.6% of PDS kerosene was being diverted for adulteration in petrol and diesel. The incentive was the huge price difference : while a litre of kerosene costs just over Rs 9, an equal volume of petrol in Delhi is priced at Rs 47.50 and diesel at Rs 32.40.