Demand grows for restored kerosene sale amid gas shortage

Kolhapur: The Kerosene Sellers and Fair Price Shops Association has urged govt to release the restored kerosene stock as an alternative fuel amid the ongoing gas shortage triggered by current geopolitical situation.A written representation has been submitted to district supply officer Mohini Chavan, with a similar appeal also sent to food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Ravindra More, head of the Fair Price Shop Owners Association, said, "Because of the war-like situation, the state is facing a gas shortage. Centre has advised using alternative fuels, so the restored kerosene stock should be made available for sale. Earlier, blue kerosene was issued on ration cards but was discontinued due to misuse. Given the current crisis, kerosene should be made available again. We demand that kerosene be supplied through ration cards until the gas shortage is fully resolved."On Saturday, gas agency operations remained unchanged, with long queues of citizens seeking cylinders. A few delivery vehicles were seen supplying cylinders in different parts of the city, offering some relief.Meanwhile, the scarcity of gas cylinders has led to a surge in demand for coal and firewood in Kolhapur's timber market, as many hotels and restaurants have shifted to fire pits for cooking. Electronics store owner Shrenik Patil said, "Due to the gas shortage, people are now turning to electrical appliances. Over the last three to four days, the demand for ovens, air fryers, induction stoves and water heaters has tripled. Stocks quickly ran out, and even large orders placed with companies are being fulfilled only up to 25%."The shortage has also disrupted food businesses. Production of the famous ‘basundi' at Nrusinhawadi has come to a halt, bringing hotel and sweet-making activities to a standstill. In Ratnagiri district, the ‘ladoo' prasad at the renowned Ganpatipule temple has also been suspended due to the lack of gas cylinders.