Govt Approves PDS Kerosene Distribution in 21 States for 60 Days, Sets 5,000 L Storage Limit Amid LPG Crisis

The Central government has approved the temporary distribution of PDS kerosene across 21 states and Union Territories, including regions that were earlier declared kerosene-free. The decision follows a prolonged conflict in West Asia that has affected global energy supply chains, particularly the availability of LPG.

Cooking Gas Cylinder Shortage: Centre Permits Kerosene Supply in 21 States In Ration/PDS

The move is intended as a short-term relief measure to support households until LPG supplies stabilise. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a gazette notification on March 29, granting temporary exemptions under the Petroleum Act, 1934 and the Petroleum Rules, 2002.

To address the shortfall, the government has now allowed the temporary use of kerosene for cooking and lighting purposes. This includes even those 21 states and Union Territories that had previously phased out PDS kerosene distribution.

Kerosene Supply Order Effective Immediately for 60 Days: 5,000 Litre Kerosene Storage Limit Allowed

As per the order, up to two designated public sector oil marketing company service stations in each district-preferably company-owned and operated outlets-will be allowed to store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene, subject to safety conditions.

Which are 21 Kerosene-Free States & Union Territories?

Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

India depends heavily on imports to meet its cooking gas needs, with nearly 60 per cent sourced from abroad and a significant share coming from Gulf countries. Due to these disruptions, authorities have already begun prioritising LPG supply for domestic households while restricting access for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.

Despite prioritisation efforts, reduced LPG availability has led to panic buying in several regions. Long queues at distribution centres and concerns over supply shortages have been reported, prompting the government to take additional steps to stabilise the situation.

Relaxation in Kerosene Licensing Norms

To streamline distribution, the government has relaxed certain licensing requirements. Dealers and agents will not need separate licences for decanting kerosene at designated stations. Similarly, tank vehicles that already hold valid licences will not require additional permits for transportation and handling.

The exemptions come with strict safety and operational conditions. All activities related to storage, handling and distribution must follow guidelines set by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

Authorities have also mandated proper record-keeping, with details of storage and distribution to be maintained and made available for inspection by district officials and PESO.

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