Summary
The Maharashtra government has decided to provide kerosene as an alternative fuel to help people deal with a growing shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Food and Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced this move in the state assembly on March 17, 2026. The plan aims to offer a cheaper and more available option for cooking as gas supplies remain tight across the state. This decision comes as many residents and businesses struggle to find enough fuel for their daily needs.
Main Impact
The shortage of LPG is making life difficult for families, small businesses, and large institutions. By introducing kerosene at select locations, the government hopes to reduce the pressure on the gas supply chain. However, the crisis has already caused prices to rise and has forced some workers to leave the state. The government is now focusing on making sure essential services like hospitals and schools have enough fuel to keep running while they manage the limited stocks available for others.
Key Details
What Happened
To address the fuel gap, the state will now sell kerosene at specific petrol pumps. Local district offices will manage how this fuel is handed out to ensure it reaches the people who need it most. The government is also trying to stop people from selling gas cylinders illegally at high prices. They have started a large-scale crackdown to catch those taking advantage of the shortage.
Important Numbers and Facts
The new kerosene supply will be sold at Rs 61 per litre. To manage the current LPG stocks, the government has set specific rules for who gets priority. Hospitals, crematoriums, orphanages, and schools will receive 100 percent of the gas they need. Other sectors, such as defense, government offices, and the aviation industry, will receive 70 percent of their usual supply.
Law enforcement has been very active in stopping illegal sales. Officials conducted raids at more than 2,000 locations. During these searches, they seized over 1,200 gas cylinders and arrested 18 people. Prices have also changed recently; domestic LPG prices went up by Rs 60, while commercial gas prices increased by Rs 115. Despite these challenges, the minister stated that there is still enough gas in stock and told the public there is no need to panic or wait in long lines.
Background and Context
Cooking gas is a basic necessity for almost every home and business in Maharashtra. When the supply of LPG drops, it affects everything from home kitchens to large factories. The current shortage has been caused by a mix of supply chain issues and high demand. In the past, kerosene was a very common fuel, but the government moved away from it to promote cleaner LPG. Now, because of the emergency, the state is returning to kerosene to make sure people can still cook their meals.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction to the crisis has been a mix of worry and political debate. Congress leader Nana Patole has asked the government to do more for students. He argued that schools and hostels should get domestic gas cylinders so that their canteens do not have to close down. If these canteens close, thousands of students might struggle to find affordable food.
The situation is even harder for migrant workers. Many people from states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha work in Maharashtra on construction sites or in small hotels. Without steady fuel, many of these businesses are slowing down. Some workers, fearing a repeat of the hardships seen during past lockdowns, have already started moving back to their home villages. They worry that if they stay, they will not be able to afford food or find work.
What This Means Going Forward
In the coming weeks, the government will monitor how well the kerosene distribution works. If the LPG shortage continues, they may need to expand the number of locations selling alternative fuels. The focus will remain on preventing the black market from growing and ensuring that domestic users get their gas before commercial users. For many workers and small business owners, the next few months will be a test of whether these government measures are enough to keep the economy moving.
Final Take
The return to kerosene shows how serious the current fuel crisis has become in Maharashtra. While the government is taking steps to manage the supply and stop illegal trading, the rising costs and limited availability are putting a heavy burden on the most vulnerable people. Success will depend on how quickly the state can stabilize gas supplies and whether the alternative fuel plan can truly fill the gap for those who can no longer afford or find LPG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Maharashtra providing kerosene now?
The state is facing a shortage of LPG cooking gas. Kerosene is being offered as a temporary alternative so that people have a way to cook their food while gas supplies are limited.
Where can people buy this kerosene?
Kerosene will be made available at select petrol pumps across the state. The distribution is being organized at the district level to ensure it is accessible to those who need it.
Who is getting priority for the remaining LPG supply?
Essential services like hospitals, orphanages, and schools are getting 100 percent of their gas needs. Government agencies and the defense sector are being allocated 70 percent of their usual supply.
