SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a notification permitting the temporary distribution of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) in 21 SKO-free States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in view of global energy supply pressures linked to the prevailing geopolitical situation.
The Centre has invoked provisions of the Petroleum Act, 1934 and Petroleum Rules, 2002 to grant conditional relaxations to ensure the efficient supply of kerosene for domestic cooking and lighting needs.
Under the revised arrangement, up to two designated fuel stations of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in each district—preferably Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) outlets—are authorised to store up to 5,000 litres of PDS SKO, including at outlets originally licensed for petrol and diesel.
In addition, agents and dealers have been exempted from the requirement of obtaining separate licences for decanting kerosene at these designated stations. Transport tankers carrying petroleum products have also been granted similar exemptions to facilitate smoother logistics and distribution.
These relaxations are strictly temporary and subject to compliance with safety standards, handling procedures, and operational guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO). Proper records of storage, decantation, and distribution must be maintained for inspection by district authorities.
The notification will remain valid for 60 days from the date of issuance or until further orders, whichever is earlier, with the aim of preventing supply disruptions and ensuring availability of essential fuel in regions where kerosene distribution had earlier been phased out.
