Thiruvananthapuram: Minister GR Anil has declared that kerosene prices will not be increased in the state. The minister clarified the same after the oil companies announced that kerosene prices will be hiked by Rs 8.

Kerosene was priced at Rs 41.64 per litre in January. On February 2, the price was rose by Rs 2.52 and touched Rs 49.55. At present, kerosene distributed through ration shops is priced at Rs 53 in Kerala. Along with the base price, transportation charge, dealers commission, CGST and SGST are levied on kerosene price in Kerala.

If Kerala permits the hike, the price of kerosene sold through the Public Distribution System will go up to Rs 60. The Civil Supplies Department has already purchased kerosene from oil companies for carrying out the distribution till March 2022.

Directions have been given to the Civil Supplies director to distribute kerosene to the ration card holders for the same price of January, informed the minister.