Mumbai: The Centre on Tuesday issued circulars to petrol pumps across the state, granting a one-month temporary permission to store superior kerosene in barrels on their premises, subject to strict safety conditions and operational restrictions. The move follows food, civil supplies and consumer protection minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s announcement a day earlier on steps being taken to ease pressure on fuel availability and essential supplies.In the legislative assembly, he said, “Some ships were blocked due to the international situation; however, some ships have been released and have reached Mumbai, Kandla and Kochi. The Centre is trying to increase fuel supply from countries like Russia, Iran etc. The situation is expected to improve soon. It may take 8 to 10 days for the entire process to be completed after the ships arrive. Till then, priority is being given to domestic gas, hospitals and educational institutions. While some big hotels are finding it difficult to use alternative fuels, other restaurants have started using coal and kerosene,” Bhujbal said. Seeking to calm fears over fuel availability, Bhujbal said petrol and diesel stocks were adequate and there was no hike in rates.He added that the Centre had directed refineries to maximise domestic LPG production by using butane and propane, increasing output from 9,000 metric tonnes to 11,000 metric tonnes. The state govt, he said, had also stepped up refill supplies of domestic LPG cylinders and reduced waiting time, bringing relief to households affected by recent disruptions. Officials said the situation had eased to some extent, with priority now being given to domestic consumers and essential services.Referring to the Hormuz Strait situation, Bhujbal said Iran had indicated that only “enemy ships” would be stopped and India expected its vessels to pass through safely. This, he said, should help reduce the gas crisis. He also noted that India was procuring petroleum products from Russia to cushion the impact. In view of the special circumstances, the govt has decided to expand kerosene distribution across the state.“There has been no increase in the price of petrol and diesel at present. It is not certain whether there will be an increase in the future, but it is expected that there should be no increase.” Twenty per cent ethanol blend is currently in effect.He said vigilance squads have conducted 2,129 raids and seized 1,208 LPG cylinders. Twenty-three cases have been registered and 18 people have been arrested, Bhujbal said. Bhujbal said efforts are underway to smoothen the kerosene supply chain and supply it through available kerosene dealers. Bhujbal said instructions have been given for the distribution of commercial gas to those providing essential services.The Centre’s directive said that a kerosene storage shed cannot be built above underground petroleum tanks and must be at least 6 metres from dispensers, 4 metres from underground tank vent points and 3 metres from fill points. The storage area must be segregated with suitable barricading. Drums and barrels are to be opened only when necessary for drawing fuel, with all precautions taken to prevent leakage, vapour escape, fire or explosion. “The directive states that flameproof electrical fittings, motors and pumps must be used, while mobile phones and any ignition sources are barred from hazardous areas. Licensees have been asked to maintain daily records of receipts and issues of kerosene and produce them for inspection on demand,” an official added.
