Why this strict regulation on distribution of kerosene?

Although it may seem like a trivial thing, the regulation of civil supplies on the distribution of ration kerosene will create a lot of difficulties for many households. For some time now, distribution of kerosene through ration shops has been going just for the sake of it. The allowed quantity was reduced from one litre to half a litre every month. Later it was fixed to half a litre in three months. The concerned authorities explain that restrictions were necessary in the state after the Centre cut down the ration kerosene allocation significantly. As there is no sale of kerosene in the public market, it is not possible for the common man to get even one or two litres of kerosene.

Kerosene, which was provided in ration shops every now and then, was a relief to every other household. Kerosene is essential for keeping away pests including mosquitoes, burning waste, etc. The Centre's reduction of kerosene allocation to the state without looking ahead has literally turned out to be a big deceit. As petroleum products are readily available, the strict control only for kerosene is illogical. Steps should be taken to facilitate the availability of kerosene, even at higher prices. The Centre and the state, which claim to stand for the common man, should consider how much hardship the severe restrictions on the supply of kerosene are causing to the people. Let's not forget that sudden restrictions on the supply of kerosene, which has been running smoothly, can lead to black markets and undesirable problems.

Finally, the Civil Supplies Department is all set to withdraw their decision to directly deliver subsidized kerosene to ration shops. Kerosene wholesalers are now supplying kerosene to every ration shop. But with the Centre imposing strict restrictions on kerosene distribution, kerosene is now only given to priority sections through ration shops. That too in the order of half a litre once in three months. With the quantity reduced drastically, the wholesalers see it as a unprofitable business to supply kerosene to every ration shop. They are ready to deliver kerosene to any two ration shops in a panchayat and the cardholders who need kerosene should go to those shops and buy it. Ration shops are also against this move as their business will decrease. They warned that they will strike if the decision is implemented.

The rulers should realize that such strictness in the case of kerosene is unnecessary and will cause hardship to the people. The demand for kerosene has decreased after the poor got cooking gas at subsidized rates. Arrangements should be made to supply kerosene to all card holders at least in minimum quantity through ration shops. Suresh Gopi is at the Centre as the Minister of State in charge of Petroleum Department. It can be expected that there will be his immediate intervention in this matter and the state should also try for it.