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Govt Eases Rules for Faster Kerosene Supply Amid Fuel Disruption

The government has temporarily relaxed petroleum safety and licensing rules to expedite kerosene distribution to households. This allows designated petrol pumps operated by public sector oil companies to store and dispense kerosene, focusing on 21 states and Union Territories. The 60-day measure is a direct response to global energy supply disruptions caused by conflict, which have impacted LNG and LPG availability. An additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been allocated to states to ensure uninterrupted supply for cooking and lighting, with safety standards maintained to prevent adulteration.

Key Points: Govt Fast-Tracks Kerosene Supply to Households in 21 States

  • Eases safety rules for faster kerosene supply
  • Allows select petrol pumps to store & dispense kerosene
  • Targets 21 states & UTs for 60 days
  • Additional 48,000 kilolitres allocated to states
2 min read

Govt eases norms to fast-track kerosene supply to consumers

Government eases petroleum safety rules for 60 days to allow kerosene distribution via petrol pumps, addressing cooking fuel shortages from global supply disruptions.

"The measures would enable the ad-hoc distribution of kerosene to households for cooking and lighting - Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas"

New Delhi, March 29

The government on Sunday eased the petroleum safety and licensing rules to allow faster distribution of kerosene to households, amid the disruption in cooking fuel supplies due to the Iran war.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a notification that the measures would enable the ad-hoc distribution of kerosene to households for cooking and lighting in 21 states and Union Territories

Select petrol pumps operated by public sector oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are permitted to store and dispense kerosene to households.

Each designated retail outlet is allowed to store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene. Up to two such service stations can be designated per district.

The move specifically supports 21 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, focusing on areas that had previously become "kerosene-free".

These temporary provisions are effective for 60 days to address immediate supply disruptions. In addition to petrol pumps, kerosene will be distributed through the traditional ration shop network, with states encouraged to prioritise rural areas.

The move is a response to global energy supply disruptions caused by conflicts in West Asia, which have impacted LNG supplies and caused potential LPG shortages.

The government has made an additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states, over and above their regular supply.

As LNG supplies tighten, kerosene is being reintroduced to ensure uninterrupted availability for households, particularly for cooking and lighting.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured that despite the relaxation of rules, safety and monitoring standards will remain in place to prevent the diversion of PDS kerosene for adulteration.

Alternative fuel options like kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand.

The Ministry of Coal has already issued an order to Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allot higher quantities to states for distributing coal to small, medium and other consumers.

States have also been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a necessary step given the global situation, but it feels like a step backwards. We were moving towards cleaner fuels like LPG with Ujjwala Yojana. Now going back to kerosene, even if temporarily, is worrying for air quality and health. 😕 The focus should be on securing LPG supplies.
R
Rohit P
Good proactive planning! The war is affecting everything. At least the government is thinking ahead to ensure no household is left without a cooking option. The 60-day limit shows it's a stop-gap arrangement. Jugaad at the policy level!
A
Anjali F
My main concern is diversion and adulteration. The ministry says monitoring will stay, but will it be effective? Kerosene through PDS often gets misused. Hope this temporary system doesn't become a permanent loophole for the black market.
D
David E
Interesting to see how global conflicts have local impact even in India. The focus on rural areas is crucial. In many remote places, supply chains are fragile. Making kerosene available at two pumps per district seems limited, but it's a start.
K
Karthik V
The mention of "kerosene-free" areas is key. Gujarat had done well in phasing it out. This temporary reintroduction must not derail those long-term clean fuel goals. The 48,000 kilolitres additional allocation sounds substantial. Hope it reaches the actual needy.

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