Alappuzha: Kerosene distribution could not be started in most of the ration shops in the district. It was started only in 265 ration shops in Ambalapuzha, Cherthala and Karthikappally taluks. Distribution has not started in Chengannur, Mavelikkara and Kuttanad taluks. Distribution is to be started in 934 shops.

Only Ambalapuzha, Cherthala and Karthikappally taluks have wholesale kerosene distribution centres. These centres could not even supply enough kerosene to all the ration shops in these taluks.

Ration shops in other taluks that did not have wholesale distribution centres were also supposed to get supplies from here.

Initially, the ration shop vendors said that they could not go to other taluks to collect the kerosene due to the long distance. Later, the decision was changed. Still, the civil supplies authorities were unable to provide the required kerosene for the district.

The centre had allocated the ration for the months of April to June. If the allocation is not distributed this month, it will be lost. Still, the authorities are being accused of being negligent.

Meanwhile, the civil supplies authorities issued a circular demanding action against shops that were not willing to accept their share, which sparked controversy.

The allegation was that the lenders were trying to make the borrowers guilty by not delivering enough kerosene.