Centre cuts down Kerala's kerosene share over wasting previous allocation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Kerala wasted kerosene ration by not using it on time, the Centre has cut down on allocation. The state has defaulted in acquiring and disbursing the allotted kerosene in December 2023. The kerosene currently received will only be enough to give quarter of litre to yellow and pink card holders of the kerosene priority category in 3 months. Yellow cards used to get one litre and pink cards got half a litre. Associations of ration shop owners have written to the public distribution department stating that they cannot take kerosene for distribution as the allocation has decreased. The main reason for the traders' objection is that the handling cost does not come down despite taking a small share.

In a letter sent to the State Food and Public Distribution Department, the Union Petroleum Ministry stated that there has been a reduction of 1164 kilolitres (11.64 lakh litres) in the allocation for the period from April to June. The previous year's quarterly allocation was 1944 kilo liters (19.44 lakh litres). 13.36 lakh liters of kerosene remained in the ration shops even at the end of February this year due to delay in acquiring and distributing the allotment in December 2023. Idukki is at the forefront where 60,000 liters were wasted without distribution. Supplyco, the main dealer in the district, did not take 36,000 liters and an oil company dealer 24,000 liters. As part of reducing kerosene consumption, the allocation will be reduced every year. This is determined by taking into account the previous year's sales. The public distribution department is trying to distribute kerosene through selected shops as the ration traders will not cooperate.