Centre allows temporary kerosene distribution in states, UTs to ease LPG pressure

The Centre has made an ad hoc allocation of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) to 21 states and Union Territories that were previously declared “SKO-free”, introducing a 60-day emergency measure to ease pressure on cooking gas LPG.

In a notification dated March 29, the government said it will make an ad hoc allocation of PDS kerosene for household cooking and lighting purposes.

The government has granted conditional exemptions under the Petroleum Act, 1934 and Petroleum Rules, 2002.

Under the new provisions, up to two designated petrol pumps of public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) in each district will be allowed to store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene, even if such storage was not previously permitted.

The order also exempts kerosene dealers and agents from obtaining specific licences required for decanting fuel, while tank vehicles transporting petroleum products will also not need additional permits for unloading kerosene at these designated outlets.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) had earlier granted temporary permission to OMCs to store up to 2,500 litres of SKO at fuel stations.

The government said the exemptions are subject to strict safety norms and operational guidelines, with mandatory record-keeping and inspections by district authorities and PESO officials.

The move will remain in force for 60 days or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

India had phased out subsidised kerosene distribution in several states over the past decade as part of a shift towards cleaner cooking fuels like LPG.

However, the latest decision is intended to ensure that households facing LPG constraints continue to have access to essential fuel for basic domestic requirements.