The Government has issued a gazette notification allowing the distribution of Superior Kerosene Oil under the Public Distribution System to 21 States and Union Territories, citing the prevailing geopolitical situation affecting energy supplies worldwide. The move is aimed at supporting cooking and lighting needs in areas where kerosene had been phased out under normal conditions.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has allowed designated fuel stations in kerosene-free States and Union Territories to store and distribute Superior Kerosene Oil for household use. The move aims to support cooking and lighting needs in areas that had phased out kerosene under normal conditions. In a notification issued by the Ministry, up to two fuel stations per district, preferably company-owned outlets of public sector oil firms, can store up to five thousand litres of kerosene.

Dealers and transporters have also been exempted from certain licensing requirements to enable faster distribution, while safety and monitoring norms will continue to remain in force. The Ministry has stated that this arrangement will apply only to kerosene meant for cooking and lighting in households. It will be implemented in 21 States and Union Territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The notification has come into effect immediately and will remain valid for 60 days or until further orders.