'Once essential, not anymore'; Central govt nudges Kerala to follow suit

KOCHI: With the widespread availability of electricity and cooking gas, the once essential kerosene, which used to light every home, is on its way out. 14 states and six union territories, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, have stopped the supply of kerosene.

The central government sent a letter to the states on the 7th, explaining its policy to discourage the use of kerosene, citing pollution and health problems. It also takes into account the fact that electricity and cooking gas have reached most homes.

Since some states, including Kerala, are demanding additional allocation, the current system will continue for another three years. The Centre's letter states that the kerosene allocation policy will be reviewed thereafter. The central government distributes kerosene in two categories through the public distribution system: with a subsidy for lighting and cooking, and without a subsidy for other sectors. Domestic kerosene is available for pink and yellow card holders. The quota is half a litre every three months.

Although kerosene is subsidised for fishermen, its distribution is inefficient due to various issues. The Centre had initiated measures to discourage kerosene in 2011. Subsidies and quotas have been cut in phases. Oil companies are also reducing kerosene production.

The allocation of domestic kerosene for Kerala was reduced to 780 kiloliters in 2024-25. The previous year, it was 1944 kiloliters. The fisheries sector received only 650 kiloliters. The surplus is purchased from the public market at double the price. 8,000 kiloliters are required to be provided to all priority cardholders in the state. 30,000 kiloliters for fishing boats. The kerosene price in ration shops is up to Rs 73 per litre.

States that stopped using Kerosene:

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland. Union Territories: Lakshadweep, Andaman, Chandigarh, Daman and Diu, Ladakh, Puducherry.