Kerosene Returns: Govt Reintroduces PDS in 21 States Amid Energy Crisis
Government reinstates PDS kerosene for 60 days in 21 regions due to energy concerns.
Top Summary
- What happened: The Union government has initiated a 60-day emergency measure to reintroduce PDS kerosene in 21 states and Union Territories, even those previously declared kerosene-free.
- Why it matters: Amid global energy uncertainty, this ensures vulnerable households retain access to essential fuel for basic domestic needs where LPG is constrained.
- What changes for people: Designated petrol pumps will store and distribute limited quantities of kerosene, offering an alternative fuel source.
- Who is affected: Households in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and 14 other States/UTs now have access to subsidized kerosene.
Emergency Kerosene Rollout
The Union government, responding to global energy market volatility, has reintroduced Public Distribution System (PDS) kerosene for a 60-day period. This measure impacts 21 States and Union Territories, some of which had already phased out kerosene distribution.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a Gazette notification on March 29th, authorizing public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) to allocate PDS kerosene.
Relaxed Norms for Distribution
Select petrol pumps in each district are now permitted to store and distribute limited quantities of superior kerosene oil (SKO) under relaxed regulations. This aims to provide an uninterrupted energy supply at the retail level.
Designated petrol pumps, preferably company-owned outlets of public sector oil firms, can stock up to 2,500 litres of kerosene. State governments and UT administrations will identify up to two such service stations per district.
Licensing and Safety
Dealers and transporters are temporarily exempt from certain licensing requirements under the Petroleum Rules, 2002, to expedite distribution. However, safety and operational guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation remain in effect.
"The Central government is empowered, by order, in exceptional cases, to grant exemptions from any provisions of the Act..."
Affected States and UTs
The 21 States and UTs where PDS kerosene is temporarily reintroduced are:
- NCT of Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- Puducherry
- Andhra Pradesh
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Uttrakhand
- Lakshadweep
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Laddakh
- Telangana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Madhya Pradesh
- Sikkim
Conditions and Validity
Companies are allowed to store up to 2,500 litres of kerosene per distribution unit at retail stations specifically for household use. This arrangement applies only to kerosene meant for cooking and lighting in households.
The notification came into effect immediately and will remain valid for 60 days or until further orders. The end date is approximately May 28th unless extended.
What to Watch Next
Monitor any potential extensions to this 60-day emergency measure. Also, keep an eye on the impact of this reintroduction on household fuel accessibility and affordability across the affected regions.