Gurpreet Singh :- In a significant policy move, the Central Government has restored the supply of kerosene to Punjab after a gap of nearly 14 years, a decision that comes at a time when concerns over LPG availability have surfaced in several parts of the country. According to official communication issued by the Centre, ration card holders across the state are likely to start receiving kerosene through the public distribution system in the coming days.
Karamjit Singh Araicha, National Joint Secretary of the All India Fair Price Dealers Federation, said the supply of kerosene in Punjab had been discontinued in 2012 following a recommendation made by the then Shiromani Akali Dal–BJP government. The recommendation had stated that with the growing availability of LPG cylinders, the need for kerosene in the state had significantly reduced. Subsequently, the Centre halted kerosene distribution through over 22,000 ration depots across Punjab.
However, the current decision has been taken in the backdrop of emerging supply challenges and global developments affecting fuel availability. Reports of disruptions in energy supply following tensions in the Gulf region have prompted the government to reintroduce kerosene distribution as an alternative support for economically weaker sections.
It is expected that nearly 38 lakh beneficiary families linked with the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in Punjab could benefit from the move, covering approximately 1.57 crore individuals. As per initial indications, each member listed on a ration card may be eligible to receive around five litres of kerosene every three months.
Observers note that kerosene distribution had earlier been surrounded by allegations of black marketing. During the period prior to its discontinuation, officials of the food and civil supplies department and certain depot holders had faced accusations of diverting subsidised kerosene into the open market. With the restoration of the quota, authorities are expected to implement stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of the supply system.
