Vanshika verma | Mar 30, 2026 |
Government Allows Temporary Kerosene Distribution via PDS Amid Energy Crisis
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently shared a notification on March 29, 2026, regarding ad hoc allocation of kerosene due to energy supply constraints.
Due to ongoing global geopolitical issues affecting energy supply, the central government has decided to temporarily distribute kerosene oil (SKO) via the Public Distribution System (PDS). This is mainly to help households meet basic needs like cooking and lighting.
Earlier, many states and union territories (21 in total, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc.) were “PDS SKO-free“. The government has decided to supply kerosene to these areas on an ad hoc (temporary) basis to ensure people have access to essential fuel.
To make distribution faster and easier, the government has relaxed some rules under the Petroleum Rules, 2002. Normally, strict licenses are required for storing and distributing kerosene, but temporary exemptions have been given in this situation.
Under these relaxations, a maximum of two service stations per district, preferably Company Owned Company Operated (COCO), are allowed to store and distribute kerosene. Each such station can store up to 5,000 litres of kerosene for this purpose.
Further, agents and dealers who handle kerosene are exempted from taking certain licences (Form XVIII) required for unloading kerosene from vehicles at these petrol pumps.
Similarly, tanker vehicles transporting kerosene are also exempted from some licensing requirements to speed up delivery and distribution.
However, some important conditions apply. The kerosene supplied under this system can only be used for cooking and lighting purposes. Each petrol pump cannot store more than 5,000 litres. All safety rules and handling procedures must be strictly followed. Proper records of storage, transport, and distribution must also be maintained and made available for inspection by authorities.
The following are the lists of PDS SKO Free States/Union Territories:
Note: This notification has come into effect immediately, but is temporary. It will remain valid for 60 days or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
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