The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global oil and gas supplies, leaving India, like many other countries, facing a fuel crisis. To address this situation, the central government has taken a major step, temporarily relaxing regulations to facilitate the supply of kerosene to households.

The government has given temporary relaxation in the rules

According to a gazette notification issued on March 29, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has permitted the ad-hoc supply of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for 60 days under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in 21 states and union territories. This is aimed at ensuring that the public does not face fuel shortages. The states where this will apply include Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Kerosene will now be available at petrol pumps too.

Under the new rules, select petrol pumps of public sector oil marketing companies have been allowed to store and distribute kerosene.

• A maximum of 5,000 litres of kerosene can be stored at each selected petrol pump.
• A maximum of two petrol pumps in each district will be designated for this.

This step will help in speeding up the supply and making it available to the common people quickly.

Relaxation in licensing norms to speed up supply chain

The notification states that dealers and vehicles engaged in the storage, transportation and distribution of kerosene have been temporarily exempted from certain licensing provisions of the Petroleum Rules 2002. This is aimed at expediting the supply chain and ensuring timely delivery of fuel to the end consumer.

Supply will be for domestic use only.

The government has made it clear that kerosene will be supplied only for domestic needs like cooking and lighting, so that it is not misused.

PDS supply will resume even in closed areas

This decision also temporarily resumes kerosene supply through the PDS in areas where it was previously phased out. This will ensure swift and efficient distribution through the existing fuel retail network.

Safety rules will apply

All safety guidelines and operational protocols issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be strictly followed during the entire process.

What is its effect?

This decision of the government is expected to provide relief to the common people amid the current LPG crisis, especially in those areas where the need for alternative fuel is increasing rapidly.