Only 1.4L litre kerosene quota assigned for 3.9L ration card holders in Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: After much delay, the authorities have declared a kerosene quota of 1.4 lakh litre for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The supply, however, is far less when compared to the 3.9 lakh target beneficiaries in the district, and could cause chaos at the Public Distribution System (PDS) shops.Moreover, there is no official word yet on when the actual supply of kerosene will take place as authorities are still finalising interested retail suppliers and actual prices. District supply officer Pravin Phulari said rural areas will get priority over urban areas for the supply of kerosene. "Priority Household (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana ration card holders will get the kerosene through PDS shops on a priority basis. The supply of 3 litre kerosene is planned per beneficiary," he said.On the inadequate quota, Phulari said the demand for more kerosene quota would be placed before state-level authorities. "We need at least 10 times more kerosene stock for the district. At present, the district-wise quota has been worked out by the state govt as per available stock at the state-level," he said.Authorities said the commission of kerosene suppliers has been doubled by the govt. "As per policy decision, the kerosene supply was phased out in the state. In the wake of the LPG crisis, kerosene distribution is allowed again, and suppliers are being appointed through PDS. Once the distribution chain is established and prices are worked out, kerosene supply will start soon," he said.Bharat Kale, a tea-seller, said kerosene supply could help him resume his business. "Amid the dearth of commercial LPG, I closed down my tea stall. The supply of kerosene should not remain a promise only, otherwise poor people like me will struggle," he said.