Indian gov't eases kerosene rules to address energy supply concerns

NEW DELHI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Following the disruption of energy supplies worldwide due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, the Indian government, in a bid to tackle the supply concerns at home, announced a temporary relaxation of petroleum safety and licensing rules to speed up the distribution of kerosene to households across the country, officials said Monday.

The federal Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said it will allow ad-hoc kerosene supply for cooking and lighting in all states. It has permitted public sector oil marketing companies to allocate public distribution system superior kerosene oil across 21 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where kerosene supply had been phased out.

According to officials, the decision was taken to ensure access to essential energy sources for households in view of the ongoing global crisis impacting fuel availability.