A man from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district has gone viral for his bizarre eating habits. Known locally as “Oil Kumar,” he reportedly claims to have survived for more than three decades by drinking engine oil instead of eating regular food. According to social media posts, his daily routine includes consuming seven to eight litres of waste motor oil, along with cups of tea.
The unusual story gained attention after a video surfaced on Instagram, shared by the page @avalakki_pavalakki. The clip shows Kumar refusing rice and chapatis offered by bystanders and instead drinking black motor oil straight from a bottle. The caption to the post stated that for the last 33 years, Oil Kumar has lived without food, relying only on engine oil and tea to sustain himself.
As a doctor, I’d say such a claim defies medical science. Engine oil is a hydrocarbon mixture with toxic additives that damage the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and lungs. Even small amounts can cause chemical pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding, or multi-organ failure. If someone has truly survived on this for years, it needs thorough medical evaluation, as it’s highly unlikely the human body could adapt to such toxins.
“‘Oil Kumar’ from Karnataka has sparked curiosity by claiming to survive for decades on engine oil and tea. While such cases capture public attention, they also raise important questions about nutrition, health risks, and the line between unique tolerance and potential myth. It highlights how extraordinary human stories can sometimes blur the boundaries of science and belief.”
Engine oil contains toxins and its completely impossible for someone to be alive after consuming it so i think that viral person is a fake one just gaining popularity.
As far as this person gained popularity, we can’t say that everything that was put on internet is true and legit.
In today’s world there are many people who try to get fame by various means and this good be one of the examples of it.
Considering the fact that many people all around the globe do have bizzare eating habits , however engine oil is toxic and could be life threatening. For that reason alone it tilts more towards hoax than truth.
Its surprising that people nowadays are willing to do or say anything to become popular. We know that motor oil is full of chemicals and toxic for humans. It’s not possible that this man has been surviving on that for 30 years. We as healthcare professionals and public shouldn’t be believing baseless claims like this.