UP to check mixing kerosene with diesel

Notification pertains to amendment in Kerosene Control Order

For preventing the diversion of kerosene for adulterating petrol and diesel, the Uttar Pradesh government, in association with public sector oil companies, has launched a pilot project for marketing kerosene at development blocks. The purpose of the project is to prevent kerosene oil from reaching gas stations.

Of 813 community development blocks in 70 districts of UP, the scheme as a pilot project is being launched in 51 blocks in the first phase. The progress of the project will be reviewed after six months. If successful in preventing diversion, the project may cover the whole state.

As preventive steps, tankers and barrels are being separately identified for storing and transportation kerosene. Only blue tankers and barrels will be used for storing and transportation.

The words "Jan Kerosene" will be inscribed on the blue tankers and barrels. The oil companies will be singularly responsible for the delivery of kerosene at the destined development block headquarters.

UP's monthly quota of kerosene is 132,000 kilolitres (1 kilolitre is to 1,000 litres). A significant portion of this goes to over 2,000 petrol pumps, where it is adulterated.

The Centre had announced launching this scheme on October 2. This issue has been pending before the food and civil supplies department for nearly two months. The recent killing of the IOC sales officer Manjunath seems to have expedited the process.

The notification pertains to the amendment in the "kerosene control order" issued under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, thus enabling the oil companies to appoint sub-wholesale dealers at the development block level.

The oil companies will appoint the dealers in consultation with the district magistrates.

Under the pilot project one to ten sub whole dealers are proposed to be appointed in each development block.

These dealers will supply oil to PDS shop owners in villages.

SPURIOUS MIX

The UP government, in association with public sector oil companies, has launched a pilot project for marketing kerosene at development blocks

Of 813 community development blocks in 70 districts of UP, the scheme as a pilot project is being launched in 51 blocks in the first phase

The scheme will be launched on October 2

As preventive steps, tankers and barrels are being separately identified for storing and transportation kerosene