After prolonged demand for kerosene from Centre, Kerala now struggles to distribute surplus; allocation cut looms

Kottayam: The Kerala government, after prolonged pressure on the Union government demanding kerosene, now finds itself in a situation where it cannot distribute the supply properly. The issue is a surplus of kerosene. It is learnt that if the state fails to distribute its full quota, the Centre may reduce its share.

Around 7 lakh litres of kerosene from the quarter ending September remain undistributed. For the October–December quarter, 56.76 lakh litres have been allocated, and distribution has already begun. Currently, each ration cardholder receives half a litre, and increasing the allotment to one litre per card would help distribute the available stock.

If a surplus of about 7 lakh litres continues into the current quarter, storage will become a challenge.

In the April–June quarter, only 20 per cent of the allotted kerosene was taken and distributed. Although it was allowed to take the remaining 80 per cent along with the next allocation, this cannot become a regular practice. It may be noted that the surplus may give an impression that the state does not require this level of quantity. Similarly, distributing the previous balance later would neccasite bearing the cost difference if the price increases.

From the present quarter, the price of kerosene has been raised by ₹1, making it ₹70 per litre. Since February, the price has increased by ₹7 per litre. The Public Distribution Department said the revision was based on pricing data from Indian Oil Corporation.