Proposal to stop supply of kerosene to section of ration card

A proposal to snap supply of kerosene to ration card holders having electricity and cooking gas connections was opposed in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, with a member saying it would severely impact fishermen who use the fuel to fire their boats.

The issue was raised in the Upper House of Parliament by Jose K Mani of the Kerala Congress (M) through a Zero Hour mention.

"The decision to stop supply of (subsidised) kerosene through ration cards to those holding electricity and cooking gas connections will affect 85 lakh persons in Kerala, specially fishermen," he said.

In Kerala, more than 85 lakh ration cardholders have power connections. Only 60,128 families have no cooking gas or power connections.

At present, ration cardholders who do not have power connection are provided with 4 litres of kerosene at subsidised rates.

Mani said the move by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is based on the premise that subsidised kerosene is to be used only for cooking and lighting purpose.

But this would adversely impact fishermen who use kerosene in their fishing boats, he said.

He wanted the "unjust direction issued by the Petroleum Ministry to be withdrawn."