The Hindu : New Delhi News : Petroleum Ministry refutes Gujarat charges of curtailment of kerosene quota

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Petroleum Ministry refutes Gujarat charges of curtailment of kerosene quota

Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI: Rebutting charges of curtailment of kerosene quota for Gujarat, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has pointed to alleged diversion of PDS kerosene for adulteration of auto fuel taking place in the State and termed it as a major issue of concern. Reacting to reports that Centre had curtailed the kerosene quota of Gujarat, an official statement issued by the Petroleum Ministry said diversion of PDS kerosene for adulteration of auto fuel by unscrupulous elements could be ruled out in view of substantial price differential.

“With increase in LPG coverage, surplus of kerosene meant for cooking purposes could be diverted for adulteration. This is a major issue in Gujarat and also in other States of the country. The Union government has been taking several steps to plug the menace of diversion of subsidised PDS kerosene including rationalisation in allocation,” said the spokesman, adding that the kerosene allocation to Gujarat during the year 2005-06 was 9,55,730 Kilolitres (KL).

This allocation has come down to 9,20,556 KL in the year 2010-11 and 6,73,584 KL in 2011-12. During 2005-06 to 2010-11, the number of LPG connections in Gujarat increased from 47.39 lakh to 62.41 lakh which is approximately a 32 per cent increase.

LPG customers

“As against national coverage of 53 per cent, LPG coverage in Gujarat stood at 55 per cent as on January 1, 2011.

In addition to this, about 6.5 lakh households enjoy piped natural gas in Gujarat. In view of this, requirement of kerosene for PDS has correspondingly come down.

The Gujarat government is vested with the authority to reduce the kerosene allocation of LPG customers and piped natural gas customers.

As per the norms of allocation of PDS kerosene adopted by Gujarat, card holders with LPG connection are not entitled to PDS SKO.

The reductions in kerosene quota in the State are only a reflection of a need for tighter administration in the public distribution system to reflect the LPG customer population on ration cards,” the statement said.Gujarat during the year 2010-11 had per capita availability of kerosene of 15.7 litres per annum.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi