New Delhi, March 30
The Indian government has temporarily allowed the ad-hoc allocation of public distribution system (PDS) kerosene in 21 states and Union Territories, including areas previously declared kerosene-free, as it seeks to ease pressure on household fuel supplies amid disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia.
The move comes after a month-long war in the region hit global energy supply chains, especially supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), prompting concern over shortages in India.
India imports around 60% of its cooking gas requirements, with an estimated 85-90% of those supplies sourced from Gulf countries. With the conflict affecting shipments, supplies to commercial users such as hotels and restaurants have already been curtailed, while domestic households have been prioritised.
Even so, limited LPG stocks have triggered panic buying and long queues in several places, prompting the government to permit temporary use of kerosene for cooking and lighting as an alternative fuel.
In a gazette notification dated 29 March, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said it had granted temporary exemptions under the Petroleum Act, 1934 and the Petroleum Rules, 2002 to facilitate the distribution of PDS kerosene in 21 states and Union Territories.
The order allows up to two designated public sector oil marketing company service stations in each district — preferably company-owned and operated outlets — to store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene, subject to safety conditions.
Under the temporary relaxation, agents and dealers will not need separate licences for decanting kerosene at the designated stations, while tank vehicles already holding licences will also be exempt from seeking additional permits for the process.
The exemptions are subject to strict compliance with safety and operational norms laid down by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Authorities have said records of storage, decantation and distribution must be maintained and made available for inspection by district officials and PESO.
The notification took effect immediately and will remain in force for 60 days, or until further orders.
Among the states and Union Territories covered are Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, all of which had earlier been categorised as PDS kerosene-free.
“In view of the prevailing geo-political situation affecting energy supplies worldwide, the Central Government has decided to make an ad hoc allocation of PDS kerosene to the States/Union Territories (UTs), including 21 states/UTs which are PDS kerosene-free,” the notification said.
The government said the measure is aimed at ensuring prompt access to kerosene for households for cooking and lighting needs while pressure on LPG supplies continues.
