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India distributes kerosene at select petrol pumps to tackle fuel scarcity
Kerosene was previously phased out in some places and its import was done by state-run firms. Rules have been relaxed to enable delivery of kerosene used for cooking
- PUBLISHED: Mon 30 Mar 2026, 12:24 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Kerosene, known in India as 'the common’s man fuel”, will now be distributed at select petrol pumps in the country for a limited period. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has asked state-owned oil marketing companies to distribute superior kerosene oil (SKO) across 21 states and union territories.
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Kerosene supply had been phased out in some places. The designated petrol pumps can now store and sell kerosene to households for cooking and lighting purposes, it was announced.
Officials said the decision was taken to tackle the scarcity of fuel following the US-Israel-Iran war, which has resulted in a sharp decline in India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports.
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In many cities across India, there is a massive rush to buy LPG; the government is also encouraging urban consumers to switch over to piped natural gas (PNG).
Oil marketing companies can stock kerosene at their retail outlets to ensure quicker distribution through their network. Each outlet can stock up to 5,000 litres of kerosene. The relaxation will be in force for 60 days, said a government spokesperson.
The ‘informal group of ministers’ (IGoM), set up by central government to monitor the Middle East crisis, took stock of the current situation in the supply of essential commodities.
Kerosene has over the years been distributed through its public distribution system, to help the poor to acquire affordable fuel for cooking and lighting. The government is also pushing for the rapid expansion of natural gas pipelines, especially in cities, to enable consumers to switch over from LPG to PNG.
PNG is supplied continuously to kitchen burners through pipelines and consumers do not have to book refills.
Last week, the government issued an order that LPG supply will stop after three months if a household does not opt for PNG if it is available. LPG, in cylinders, will be diverted to rural areas and remote places where it is not possible to supply PNG.
Neeraj Mittal, the oil secretary, posted on his ‘X’ account on Sunday: "6000 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG till yesterday! A big thanks to them!! Join this strong bold group of #DoGood citizens who have come forward to give up LPG to help those to get LPG who don't have PNG. Give up yours today."
