The centre has temporarily relaxed kerosene supply norms for a period of 60 days in response to an acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas that has affected households, small businesses and essential services. The move allows state agencies and oil marketing companies greater flexibility in distributing kerosene where LPG cylinders are unavailable across affected districts. Officials said the measure is intended to ensure basic cooking and lighting needs are met while supply chains for LPG are restored and to maintain continuity of basic services.

Under the revised arrangement, eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for kerosene access have been relaxed to expedite provision to vulnerable families. The centre indicated that distribution will be monitored to prevent diversion of subsidised fuel to unauthorised uses. State governments have been asked to coordinate with distributors to identify areas of greatest need and to report on allocation and consumption.

Energy analysts noted that kerosene has historically served as an emergency substitute when LPG supply is disrupted, although its use is less efficient and carries health and environmental implications including greater indoor pollution. The temporary policy seeks to balance immediate relief with safeguards to limit long term dependency on kerosene and to encourage a return to cleaner cooking fuels as supplies normalise. Officials added that public distribution mechanisms and ration card data will be leveraged to target assistance to those most in need and to monitor compliance.

The centre has urged consumers to exercise the usual prudence in storage and use of kerosene and to follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities and distributors. Officials indicated that the relaxation is time bound and that normal kerosene allocation rules will be reinstated once LPG supplies stabilise, with periodic reviews during the interim. The government expects that coordinated efforts between oil companies and state administrations, supported by regular reporting and oversight, will mitigate hardship and help restore normal fuel access.