India Revives Kerosene and Coal for Cooking Amid LPG Supply Disruptions

Amid ongoing disruptions in global energy supply, the government of India has temporarily increased the allocation of kerosene and coal for cooking as shortages of Liquefied Petroleum Gas affect households and businesses.

The move comes as energy shipments from the Middle East face uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Authorities said the decision is aimed at ensuring that essential cooking fuel remains available across the country.

Under the temporary measure, kerosene will be supplied for household cooking needs, while coal will be allocated for use by hotels, restaurants and commercial kitchens.

LPG Supply Disruptions Trigger Emergency Measures

The shortage of LPG refills in several regions has created long queues at gas agencies and raised concerns about fuel availability.

The disruption has been linked to global energy supply challenges and transport risks affecting shipments from Gulf countries. These developments have led the government to adopt alternative fuel arrangements to prevent further disruption to daily life.

Officials said increasing the allocation of kerosene and coal is intended to provide a temporary safety net until normal LPG supply chains stabilise.

Return of Older Cooking Fuels

India had previously worked to phase out kerosene and coal as cooking fuels due to environmental and health concerns.

In 2012, the government launched a nationwide effort to encourage households to switch from kerosene to LPG. Later, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana expanded access to LPG cylinders for millions of households across the country.

The programme was aimed at reducing indoor air pollution caused by traditional fuels such as coal and firewood.

Temporary Measure to Maintain Fuel Availability

Officials have clarified that the current decision is a temporary measure designed to address the immediate shortage of cooking gas.

By increasing kerosene distribution to households and providing coal for commercial kitchens, the government hopes to prevent disruptions in food preparation across homes, restaurants and other establishments.

Authorities are also monitoring energy supply conditions closely while working to stabilise LPG availability in the coming weeks.

Impact of Global Energy Tensions

The supply disruptions highlight how geopolitical conflicts can influence domestic energy availability.

India relies heavily on imported energy resources, including oil and gas shipments from the Middle East. Any disruption in this region can have direct consequences for domestic fuel supply chains.

As global tensions continue to affect energy markets, governments are exploring contingency plans to ensure that essential resources remain accessible.

Focus on Long-Term Energy Security

While kerosene and coal are being temporarily reintroduced as alternative fuels, policymakers continue to focus on long-term solutions for energy security.

Efforts are ongoing to diversify energy sources, strengthen domestic energy infrastructure and promote cleaner fuels to reduce dependence on imports.

Experts say these measures will remain crucial as India navigates global energy challenges while ensuring reliable fuel access for its population.