TNI Bureau: Amid growing concerns over cooking gas availability in several parts of the country, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has allocated an additional 40,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states as a temporary alternative to LPG.

The move is aimed at easing the pressure on households facing delays in LPG cylinder supply.

According to a senior oil ministry official, the extra kerosene allocation will be distributed through the public distribution system to ensure that vulnerable and low-income households have access to cooking fuel. The decision comes as demand for LPG has surged in recent weeks, leading to supply disruptions in some regions.

Officials indicated that the additional allocation is part of a contingency arrangement to prevent a cooking fuel crisis. Kerosene, once widely used for household cooking, has gradually been phased down in many areas following the expansion of LPG coverage under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

However, authorities say the current allocation is only a short-term measure to support states facing immediate shortages. The Centre has also asked oil marketing companies to streamline LPG distribution and ensure timely supply to consumers.

Energy experts note that while kerosene can serve as a stopgap option, the long-term focus remains on strengthening LPG supply chains and maintaining uninterrupted access to clean cooking fuel for households across India.