Govt Allows Temporary Kerosene Distribution for Households as West Asia Conflict Hits Energy Supplies

The Central Government on Sunday authorised an ad hoc allocation of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) to States and Union Territories for distribution to households for cooking and lighting purposes.

The move comes in response to disruptions in energy supplies caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The decision follows a month-long war in the region that has affected global energy supply chains, particularly the availability of LPG.

The allocation includes 21 States and UTs which are normally PDS SKO free. India imports about 60 per cent of its cooking gas requirements, with 85 to 90 per cent sourced from Gulf nations.

The disruption has forced authorities to restrict supplies to commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants, while prioritising domestic households.

How is the Ministry ensuring uninterrupted kerosene and LPG supplies amid the Strait of Hormuz closure?

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas released a statement updating important steps undertaken to sustain uninterrupted energy supplies.

"In view of the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, proactive measures are being undertaken to maintain the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country," the statement said.

Despite prioritisation of domestic supply, limited LPG stocks have triggered panic buying and long queues in several areas.

All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place. The country is also maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel.

The Ministry has issued a notification granting temporary exemptions under the Petroleum Act, 1934 and Petroleum Rules, 2002, enabling the distribution of PDS kerosene in these regions, according to a gazette notification dated March 29.

How many kerosene litres can designated PSU stations store under the new order?

Under the order, up to two designated PSU oil marketing company service stations per district, preferably company-owned and operated, can store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene, subject to safety conditions.

Agents and dealers have been exempted from obtaining licences for decanting kerosene at these designated stations. Tank vehicles with existing licences will also not require additional permits for the same purpose.

Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.

Twenty-eight States and UTs have issued orders to allocate non-domestic LPG in line with guidelines issued by the Government of India.

For the remaining States and UTs, PSU Oil Marketing Companies are releasing commercial LPG cylinders. A total of 39,368 MT has been uplifted since 14 March 2026 by commercial entities in these States and UTs.

(With inputs from ANI)