India Temporarily Reopens PDS Kerosene Supply in 21 States Amid Energy Crisis
New Delhi, March 30 – The central government has authorized the temporary allocation of public distribution system (PDS) kerosene in 21 states and Union Territories, including regions previously designated as kerosene-free, to address household cooking and lighting needs due to global energy supply pressures.The move follows a month-long conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted energy supply chains, particularly the supply of cooking gas LPG. India imports 60 per cent of its cooking gas requirements, with 85-90 per cent originating from Gulf countries. The conflict has halted these supplies, leading to the curtailment of supplies to commercial users like hotels and restaurants.
While domestic households retain priority in the supply of available LPG, limited stocks have prompted panic buying and long queues. To alleviate pressure on LPG supplies, the government has permitted the temporary use of kerosene for cooking and lighting nationwide, encompassing the 21 states and Union Territories previously declared kerosene-free.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a notification on March 29, allowing temporary exemptions under the Petroleum Act, 1934 and Petroleum Rules, 2002. This facilitates the distribution of PDS kerosene in 21 states and Union Territories.
The notification outlines specific operational guidelines: up to two designated PSU oil marketing company (OMC) service stations per district – preferably company-owned and operated – will be permitted to store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene, subject to prescribed safety conditions. Agents and dealers are exempted from obtaining licenses for decanting kerosene at these stations, and tank vehicles with existing licenses will not require additional permits.
Strict adherence to safety norms and operational guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) is mandatory, with detailed records of storage, decantation, and distribution required for inspection by district authorities and PESO. The order takes immediate effect and remains valid for 60 days or until further notice.
The notification covers 21 PDS kerosene-free states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The Central Government’s decision, as stated in the notification, aims to ensure the prompt distribution of PDS kerosene to households for cooking and lighting purposes in response to the prevailing geo-political situation.
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