New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced temporary relaxations in the rules governing the supply of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO), allowing its sale through select petrol pumps across 21 states and Union Territories. This move is aimed at addressing potential pressures on global energy supplies.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the decision comes amidst a challenging geopolitical landscape impacting energy markets worldwide. The ministry has invoked provisions of the Petroleum Act, 1934, and the Petroleum Rules, 2002, to implement these conditional relaxations designed to ensure the consistent availability of kerosene for domestic cooking and lighting purposes.
Under the revised framework, up to two designated fuel stations operated by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in each district have been authorized to store and distribute PDS SKO. Preference will be given to Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) outlets. These outlets, including those originally licensed solely for petrol and diesel, will be permitted to store up to 5,000 litres of PDS SKO.
Further, agents and dealers involved in the sale of kerosene at these designated stations have been granted an exemption from the requirement of obtaining separate licenses for the decanting process. Similar exemptions have been extended to transport tankers carrying petroleum products, a measure intended to streamline logistics and facilitate a smoother distribution network.
The ministry has emphasized that these relaxations are strictly temporary, with a validity period of 60 days from the date of issuance or until further directives are issued. The implementation is contingent upon strict adherence to safety standards, prescribed handling procedures, and operational guidelines set forth by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO).
Operators are mandated to maintain meticulous records pertaining to the storage, decantation, and distribution of kerosene. These records will be subject to inspection by district authorities to ensure compliance and accountability.
The initiative primarily targets states and Union Territories that had previously phased out the distribution of kerosene through the PDS. This temporary measure seeks to prevent any potential supply disruptions and guarantee the availability of this essential fuel for households in these regions.
The affected states and Union Territories include Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, among others, where concerns about energy supply have been noted. The relaxation is expected to provide immediate relief and ensure that citizens continue to have access to kerosene for their essential needs during this period of potential energy market volatility.
The Chenab Times News Desk