No subsidised kerosene beyond quota to states: govt

The Centre today said it will not allocate subsidised kerosene to states beyond their quota, but they can take additional quantity at a non-susidised rate.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister S Jaipal Reddy said during Question Hour, "there is non-subsidy kerosene" which can be made available to states beyond their quota.

States can subsidise kerosene by doing away with local taxes, as being done in Tamil Nadu.

He was replying to supplementary questions regarding additional allocation of kerosene for use in mechanised fishing vessels.

Reddy said kerosene is allocated to states as per a national policy and "there is no discrimination".

He said several states, including Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra, have made requests for additional kerosene.

On a question regarding Maharashtra, Reddy said the state government has requested for additional quota of kerosene other than the Public Distribution System (PDS) quota for operation of motorised fishing vessels and distribution to fisheries cooperative societies.

"...The state government was requested to submit a formal proposal...The response from the state government is awaited," he said, adding the ministry would consider the proposal after a formal proposal is received.

He further said an additional allocation of 3,200 kilo litre kerosene per month was sanctioned to Tamil Nadu in September, 2010 for use by the fishermen in their boats at a non-subsised rate.