Kerosene, coal brought back amidst LPG shortage
Amid the LPG shortage across India, the Government has temporarily reintroduced kerosene for households and coal for hotels and restaurants due to disruptions in energy supply from Gulf countries. An additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene have been allocated to States on top of the regular quarterly quota of one lakh kl for cooking fuel.
Environmental authorities have also approved the temporary use of biomass, RDF pellets, kerosene, and coal as alternate fuel in the hospitality and restaurant sector for one month. This is the first increase in kerosene allocation in over a decade, temporarily reversing the Government’s long-term plan to phase out the subsidised fuel.
Delhi was declared India’s first kerosene-free city in 2014, replacing household kerosene with LPG to reduce pollution and fire risks.
Addressing a press briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said alternate fuel options and higher allocations of energy sources are being activated to ease pressure on LPG. Coal India Limited and Singareni have been directed to supply higher quantities of coal to States for small and medium consumers. Domestic LPG production has been raised by 28%, and a limited commercial LPG supply has been allowed to meet one-fifth of demand.
Sharma emphasised that household kitchens, hospitals, and educational institutions are being prioritised, while commercial users face temporary restrictions. Despite panic booking, she said no petrol pump or LPG dealer has run dry, with around 25,000 distributors delivering 50 lakh cylinders daily.
“Twenty percent of average monthly commercial LPG will be allocated by OMCs in coordination with State Governments to prevent hoarding or black marketing,” Sharma added, noting discussions with Delhi authorities for commercial cylinder delivery.
