Amid growing worries about Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply disruptions, india has begun to reintroduce kerosene and other traditional fuels as temporary alternatives for cooking, especially in households and commercial kitchens. This comes as the ongoing conflict in West Asia continues to strain energy supplies from gulf producers, directly impacting LPG availability.
📉 What’s Causing the LPG Supply Pressure?
India traditionally relies heavily on LPG imports from gulf countries, which supply a significant portion of the nation’s cooking gas needs. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle east and disruptions in shipping through critical routes like the Strait of Hormuz are affecting these supplies, putting upward pressure on LPG procurement and logistics.
Although the central government has been diversifying LPG imports and urged producers to ramp up supplies from non‑Gulf sources, concerns remain about potential shortfalls and delivery delays in the near term.
🛢️ Government Actions: Kerosene and Coal Back in the Mix
To ease pressure on LPG, the government has taken several temporary steps:
↪️ Additional Kerosene Allocations
An extra 40,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been allocated to states as a stop‑gap cooking fuel for households, helping to relieve demand on LPG cylinders.
↪️ Reintroducing Traditional Fuels
Officials have authorized limited use of kerosene and coal for cooking, mainly targeting households and commercial establishments such as restaurants and hotels. This measure aims to keep kitchens running during periods of supply uncertainty.
This marks a temporary reversal of previous policy, which saw kerosene phased out as LPG and electricity became more widespread clean cooking options over recent years.
🍽️ Why Kerosene Is Being Considered Again
🔹 Backup Fuel During Supply Strain
State oil companies are assessing the emergency distribution of kerosene as a cooking fuel if LPG deliveries tighten further — though this is described as a last‑resort measure, not a long‑term policy shift.
🔹 Support to Commercial Users
Commercial LPG supplies have been rationed or restricted to priority sectors like eateries and hotels, leading many to seek alternatives such as kerosene, coal, or even induction stoves where possible.
⚠️ What This Means for Households and Businesses
- Households: Many families may temporarily rely on kerosene stoves or other traditional cooking fuels until LPG cylinder deliveries stabilize.
- Commercial kitchens: Restaurants and food businesses — especially in urban centers — have already started switching to kerosene, induction stoves, or even improvised diesel solutions to keep operations running.
Some consumers also report confusion over LPG bookings and delivery cycles, highlighting frustration and the need for clearer communication from distributors.
🧭 Government Reassurances
Despite the alternative fuel measures, the government has repeatedly asserted that there is no systemic LPG shortage, urging consumers to avoid panic bookings and hoarding. Priority LPG access remains focused on households, hospitals, and essential services.
State governments are setting up monitoring committees and control rooms to manage supplies and prevent panic, while also exploring alternative fuels only where required.
📌 Bottom Line: Temporary Shift, Not Long‑Term Policy
The return of kerosene as a cooking option is being treated as an emergency, short‑term response to supply chain pressures — not a permanent reversal of India’s shift toward cleaner fuels like LPG and electricity.
For many households and businesses, kerosene may serve as a temporary fallback while LPG supplies are stabilized through diversified imports and government measures.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel