The Union government has temporarily relaxed petroleum safety and licensing norms to allow the sale of Public Distribution System (PDS) superior kerosene oil (SKO) through select petrol pumps across 21 states and Union Territories, according to a Gazette notification issued on March 29.
The measure aims to ensure households continue to access fuel for cooking and lighting amid global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict and tensions affecting international oil and gas supplies. Under the revised norms, public sector oil marketing companies can distribute kerosene through designated fuel stations identified by state governments, with each outlet allowed to stock up to 5,000 litres and up to two such outlets permitted per district.
Officials say the relaxations, which will remain in effect for 60 days or until further orders, are intended to speed up storage, transport and last-mile delivery while maintaining safety protocols. The decision follows rising concerns over supply chains and domestic fuel availability as geopolitical tensions disrupt global energy markets.
Temporary Kerosene Sale At Fuel Stations
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has authorised public sector oil marketing companies to allocate PDS kerosene to 21 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat regions where the fuel had previously been phased out as part of the government’s push toward LPG and cleaner cooking alternatives.
Under the revised norms, designated petrol pumps can store and dispense kerosene to households primarily for cooking and lighting purposes, using existing fuel distribution infrastructure to widen access quickly. Each approved outlet can stock up to 5,000 litres of kerosene, with state governments and Union Territory administrations responsible for identifying up to two petrol pumps per district for distribution.
The Gazette notification also provides exemptions from certain provisions of the Petroleum Rules, 2002, easing licensing requirements for dealers and transport vehicles handling kerosene. Officials believe that enabling retail fuel stations to distribute kerosene through an established network will help accelerate storage, movement and last-mile delivery at a time when energy supply chains are under pressure. However, safety and operational guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation will remain mandatory for all designated outlets.
Beyond regulatory changes, the government has also moved to increase the availability of alternative fuels to prevent shortages. Additional allocations of kerosene have already been released to states as a contingency measure to offset disruptions in LPG supplies, which are partly dependent on imports from Gulf countries. According to officials from the ministry, India currently imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements from the Middle East, making the country vulnerable to disruptions in the region.
As a result, the government has increased domestic LPG production, sourced additional cargoes from other countries and released more commercial LPG cylinders to stabilise supplies. Authorities have also urged consumers to avoid panic buying and assured that petrol, diesel and other petroleum products remain adequately stocked across retail outlets nationwide.
Energy Security Concerns Amid West Asia Conflict
The policy decision comes against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia that have affected global energy supply chains. In recent weeks, disruptions to shipping routes and fuel cargo movements in the region have raised concerns about the availability of cooking fuel and petroleum products in several countries. The situation has had ripple effects on India’s energy planning because a substantial portion of the country’s crude oil and LPG imports originate from Gulf nations.
Earlier this month, the government announced the allocation of around 40,000 kilolitres of additional kerosene to states as an alternative cooking fuel, supplementing the existing national quota of around one lakh kilolitres. Officials said the additional supply was meant to cushion households against any temporary shortage of LPG cylinders and ensure that vulnerable communities continue to have access to essential cooking fuel.
State governments have also begun preparing contingency plans in response to the evolving energy situation. In Maharashtra, for instance, petrol pumps have been granted temporary permission to store superior kerosene in barrels under strict safety conditions, enabling quicker distribution if required. Civil supplies officials have indicated that ration card holders may be able to access kerosene through both fair-price shops and select fuel stations as the state expands its supply network.
Authorities say such measures are meant to ensure households, hospitals and essential services receive priority access to fuel during any temporary disruption. At the same time, the government has emphasised that overall fuel stocks remain stable and that supply chains for petrol, diesel and other products continue to function normally across the country.
The broader policy response also includes ongoing monitoring of risks to energy infrastructure, commodity availability and supply chains. Senior ministers and government officials have been reviewing sector-specific challenges and preparedness measures in order to respond quickly to evolving geopolitical developments. The emphasis, officials say, is on maintaining supply stability, preventing panic-driven demand spikes and ensuring essential energy resources reach households without disruption.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
In times of geopolitical tension and global uncertainty, decisions about energy supply often have direct consequences for everyday life. The temporary expansion of kerosene distribution reflects the government’s attempt to cushion households especially those in vulnerable or rural communities from the ripple effects of global conflicts on essential fuels.
Over the past decade, India has worked to reduce reliance on kerosene by promoting LPG and cleaner cooking technologies, but the current crisis shows how quickly global shocks can force a return to older fuels as safety nets. Strengthening diversified energy sources, building resilient supply chains and ensuring equitable access to clean energy will remain crucial in the years ahead.
