In a proactive move to shield Indian households from the fallout of the Iran war, the Modi government has announced a nationwide emergency distribution of kerosene. On Sunday, March 29, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a directive to resume kerosene supply, even in the 21 states and Union Territories where its distribution had previously been discontinued.

Under the new temporary guidelines, up to two petrol pumps per district will be authorized to sell kerosene, with a storage limit of 5,000 liters per pump. States like Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Goa, which had moved away from kerosene, will now see it return for the next 60 days. This relaxation under the Petroleum Act of 1934 aims to provide an affordable alternative in case of potential LPG shortages or price hikes due to global tensions.

The government emphasized that while licensing norms for tankers have been eased to ensure rapid transport, safety remains a priority. Local administrations are empowered to conduct surprise inspections to ensure the fuel is used solely for cooking and lighting. As the war continues to unsettle global markets, kerosene is set to become a vital lifeline for middle and lower-income families for the next two months.