The Indian government decided to allow the sale of subsidized kerosene through select petrol pumps across the country. This decision comes as a response to global geopolitical tensions, including the Iran war situation, which affected international energy supply chains. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the official notification on March 29, 2026, to ensure households have access to essential fuel for cooking and lighting.
Key Rules for Kerosene Distribution at Petrol Pumps
The government eased several norms to make the distribution process faster and more efficient for the public. Public sector oil marketing companies are now permitted to sell Public Distribution System (PDS) superior kerosene oil through a limited network. The temporary relaxation applies to 21 states and Union Territories that had previously phased out kerosene supply.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Outlets per District | Two petrol pumps |
| Storage Capacity | 5,000 liters per outlet |
| Policy Duration | 60 days from notification |
| Effective Date | March 29, 2026 |
| Target Use | Household cooking and lighting |
Safety Guidelines and Implementation Process
While the rules for licensing dealers and transporters are relaxed, safety remains a priority. All designated outlets must follow the operational guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). State governments and Union Territory administrations are responsible for identifying the specific company-owned or operated pumps that will stock the fuel. Officials stated that this measure is strictly temporary to provide a fallback fuel option during the ongoing global crisis impacting fuel availability.
