Kamaraj admits to short supply of kerosene in PDS

Replying to a query raised by DMK legislator G Anbazhagan (Kumbakonam), who complained about short supply of kerosene to consumers in fair price shops, Minister Kamaraj said the Centre has gradually reduced the state’s kerosene allotment to 16,148 kilo liters from October 2017 onwards, but the kerosene requirement for supply to eligible card holders was 42,668 kl.

“The state government has been continuously requesting the Government of India to restore kerosene allotment to satisfy the requirements of eligible family card holders as per existing scale of supply,” Minister Kamaraj informed the House. Adding that the state has also registered protest through various modes against unprecedented increase in ex-storage price of kerosene by Rs 8.62 per litre by the Centre from July 1, 2016, the Minister said they have requested complete withdrawal of price hike. Currently, kerosene is being distributed to eligible family card holders at a retail selling price of Rs 13.60 to Rs 14.20 per liter.