Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for civil supplies Anoop Jacob urged Union minister of state (petroleum) Suresh Gopi to increase Keralam’s quarterly kerosene allocation from 4,068 kilolitres to 9,564 kilolitres. With Centre sharply cutting kerosene allocations, the state is heading toward a serious shortage. As economically-weaker sections, migrant workers and other disadvantaged groups continue to depend on subsidised kerosene, the state govt has no option but to increase the distribution quantity from 0.5L to 1L, he wrote in a letter to Gopi.A significant number of families, especially in coastal, hilly, and remote areas, rely on kerosene for household needs. Restrictions on LPG supply have increased the demand for kerosene and other cooking fuels. The state has 95.5L ration card holders. The letter pointed out that the civil supplies commissioner had earlier requested Centre to sanction an additional 5,496 kilolitres for the first quarter of 2026-27.Of the earlier allocation of 56.76 lakh litres, Centre retained the quota for Oct-Dec quarter at 40.68 lakh litres, resulting in a shortfall of 16.08 lakh litres. Under the current quota, 5.94L yellow card holders receive 1L once in three months, while pink, blue and white card holders receive 0.5L each. But with the allocation reduced by nearly half, the state is now unable to ensure supply to all cardholders.Traditional fishermen need large quantities of kerosene for their boats depending on engine capacity. The fact that their kerosene share is drawn from the ration allocation is worsening the crisis. Many are now forced to buy kerosene from the open market at higher prices, wrote Jacob.Along with the cut in allocation, Centre also increased the price of ration kerosene. At present, kerosene is being distributed through ration shops at Rs 71-76/L.
