Centre Rushes Kerosene to States Amid Energy Supply Disruption from West Asia

The Central Government has authorised an ad hoc allocation of Public Distribution System (PDS) kerosene to states and union territories for household use, citing supply disruptions from the ongoing West Asia conflict. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas states all refineries are operating at full capacity with sufficient crude and fuel inventories to ensure uninterrupted supply. An additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been allocated, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consumption. The government has urged states to conduct daily press briefings to counter rumours and panic-buying, reaffirming that adequate stocks are available nationwide.

Key Points: Govt Allocates Extra Kerosene, Ensures Fuel Supply Amid Conflict

  • Ad hoc SKO allocation to states/UTs
  • Refineries operating at high capacity
  • Increased domestic LPG production
  • Government combats panic-buying rumours
  • States asked for daily press briefs
2 min read

Centre makes ad hoc allocation of PDS SKO to states and UTs for houshold use, amid energy supply disruption

Central government makes ad hoc PDS kerosene allocation to states, assures adequate fuel stocks, and combats rumours amid West Asia supply disruption.

"proactive measures are being undertaken to maintain the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products - Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas"

New Delhi, March 30

The Central Government authorised on Sunday to make an ad hoc allocation of Public Distribution System Superior Kerosene Oil to the States and Union Territories for distribution to households for cooking and lighting purposes, citing the ongoing West Asia conflict's disruption of energy supplies.

The allocation includes the 21 states and UTs which are PDS SKO free.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas released a statement updating important steps undertaken to sustain uninterrupted energy supplies.

In view of the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, proactive measures are being undertaken to maintain the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country.

All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place. The country is also maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel.

Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.

28 States/UTs have issued orders to allocate the non-domestic LPG in line with the guidelines issued by the Govt of India. For the rest of the States/UTs, PSU Oil Marketing companies are releasing Commercial LPG cylinders. A total of 39368 MT has been uplifted since 14th March 2026 by commercial entities in the States/UTs.

An additional allocation of 48000 KL of Kerosene over and above the regular allocation has been made to all the States/UTs. States/UTs have been requested to identify locations in districts for the distribution of kerosene.

17 States and UTs have issued SKO allocation orders. Further, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have communicated that there is no SKO requirement in the State and UT.

There were certain rumours which led to panic buying at some retail outlets in a few states, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding at retail outlets. However, it is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all petrol pumps in the country.

The government reiterates its advice to the public not to believe rumours.

The government has again requested Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to conduct daily press briefs and active social media/electronic media updates to disseminate correct information and eliminate rumour mongering. Currently, 14 States/UTs are carrying out daily press briefs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The communication strategy is key here. Daily press briefs by states are a must to counter rumours. Last week, my neighbour stocked up on diesel due to some WhatsApp forward, causing unnecessary hassle. Clear, frequent updates are the need of the hour.
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Priyanka N
Good to see the refineries are at high capacity and stocks are being managed. However, I respectfully question the allocation to PDS SKO-free states. Shouldn't the focus and extra supply be on states that actually still depend on it? Hope there's no wastage. 🤔
A
Aman W
My family in a village in Odisha still uses a kerosene lamp. This news is a relief. Global conflicts shouldn't disrupt the lives of our most vulnerable. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
The data is reassuring - 39,368 MT of commercial LPG uplifted, refineries working hard. It shows planning. But the real test is the last-mile delivery in every district. Local authorities need to be on their toes.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the federal coordination at play here. The Centre allocating, but states like HP and Ladakh opting out as they don't need it. Shows a tailored approach rather than a blanket one. Efficient.

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