India eases kerosene rules amid energy crisis

The new measures will help distribute the fuel for cooking and lighting in several states, the oil ministry has said

India has decided to relax kerosene safety and distribution rules in an attempt to deal with a shortage of natural gas affecting several parts of the country.

The measures, that will be in place for 60 days, will allow for the sale of kerosene at select filling stations in 21 states and union territories, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said on Sunday.

The move is aimed at speeding up storage, movement and last-mile delivery, as many parts of India face disruptions in energy supplies on account of the crisis in the Middle East.

”Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India is maintaining continuous oversight and implementing appropriate preparedness and response measures to ensure stability across key sectors,” the ministry said in a statement. “Efforts remain focused on sustaining uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarding maritime operations, and extending necessary assistance to Indian nationals in the region.”

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India imports 85% of its oil and nearly half of its natural gas. Around half of its crude oil and LNG shipments are normally routed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The South Asian nation is now discussing the resumption of direct purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia for the first time since the Ukraine conflict escalated. 

Last week, New Delhi said it had enough fuel stocks to cover the country’s need for at least 60 days.

India, the world’s fourth largest refiner and fifth largest exporter of petroleum products, is supplying refined fuel to over 150 countries, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said.

On Saturday, India supplied 38,000 metric tons of fuel to Sri Lanka, after the island nation’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a special request to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The consignment includes 20,000 tons of diesel and 18,000 tons of gasoline.