India to distribute kerosene amid energy crisis, global supply disruptions
With the energy crisis in West Asia disrupting global supplies, India just announced an extra 48,000 kiloliters of subsidized kerosene for households, bringing back a fuel that was being phased out.
The move is all about making sure families, especially in rural areas, have access to cooking fuel while international shipments are shaky.
How will the extra kerosene be distributed?
The extra kerosene will be handed out through ration shops and public oil outlets, with each person getting one-half liter a month.
States have to distribute it quickly (within 45 days) and keep it from being diverted or misused.
Even in districts that don't usually get kerosene, special rural spots will offer it so no one's left out during the crunch.
Why is India suddenly so interested in kerosene?
India's LPG and LNG imports took a big hit after the Strait of Hormuz closed for nearly two weeks.
Shipments routed through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted; a large share of India's LPG imports transited that route (reported figures range roughly 55-80%), prompting rationing and supply-management measures.
To cope, India ramped up its own LPG production and stretched the rural refill window from 21 to 45 days.
The government even allowed hotels to use alternative fuels like coal and biomass temporarily so more LPG can go to regular users.