The Central Government has decided to make an ad hoc allocation of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) to States and Union Territories for household use, introducing a 60-day emergency measure aimed at supporting cooking and lighting needs.Under the decision, PDS kerosene will be reintroduced temporarily across the country, including in 21 States and Union Territories that had previously been declared PDS SKO-free. The measure is intended to ensure that households facing energy constraints continue to have access to essential fuel for basic domestic requirements.
According to the government, the allocation will allow State and Union Territory administrations to distribute limited quantities of SKO through the PDS network. The step forms part of an emergency arrangement designed to stabilise access to fuel for vulnerable households during the 60-day period.
As part of the rollout, petrol pumps will also be permitted to store and distribute restricted quantities of SKO under relaxed operational norms. The easing of storage and distribution rules is expected to facilitate smoother supply and wider availability of kerosene at the local level.Officials said the temporary measure is focused on ensuring that households relying on kerosene for cooking and lighting are not affected by supply disruptions. By extending the allocation even to regions that had earlier phased out PDS kerosene distribution, the government aims to maintain continuity of essential energy access during the emergency window.Also read: Govt promotes kerosene as LPG bookings surge; mandates 45-day refill gap in rural areasThe policy provides State governments with flexibility to manage distribution based on local demand while maintaining the broader objective of supporting domestic fuel requirements. Petrol pump participation in storage and distribution is expected to strengthen last-mile supply, particularly in areas where traditional PDS channels alone may not be sufficient.The 60-day emergency allocation of SKO under the PDS framework will remain in force during the specified period, after which further decisions on continuation or modification of the measure may be considered.
