Maharashtra Government Accelerates Kerosene Dealer Permit Renewals
In a significant move to address fuel supply challenges, Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced on Saturday that district collectors across the state have received directives to fast-track the renewal of permits for both wholesale and retail kerosene dealers. This decision comes as the central government works to make kerosene available through petrol pumps amid ongoing shortages of commercial LPG.
Reactivating Existing Distribution Networks
Minister Bhujbal emphasized that the government is focusing on reactivating all resale and wholesale dealers who were previously involved in supplying kerosene through fair price shops under the public distribution system (PDS). "These dealers already hold valid licences, and collectors have now been instructed to renew their permits at the earliest," Bhujbal stated during a press briefing in Nashik.
The minister revealed that Nashik district alone has 127 wholesale kerosene dealers and approximately 3,600 retail dealers engaged in the trade. This substantial network forms the backbone of the state's kerosene distribution infrastructure that the government aims to revitalize.
Streamlining Administrative Processes
In addition to expediting permit renewals, the government has initiated procedures to transfer permits to the legal heirs of deceased licence holders. "The procedure will begin soon. Dealers simply need to submit their applications to the respective offices," Bhujbal explained, highlighting efforts to maintain continuity in distribution channels.
The minister also announced that penalties for delayed renewal applications, which have been pending for the last two to five years, would be waived. "Such cases will be processed at the district level itself to ensure the system is fully prepared for the upcoming distribution," he added, indicating a pragmatic approach to bureaucratic hurdles.
Ensuring Last-Mile Delivery
To address gaps in rural distribution, the government plans to issue fresh licences to fair price shops in villages lacking kerosene dealers. "This is to make sure the supply reaches even the last person in the village," Bhujbal emphasized, underscoring the commitment to comprehensive coverage.
The coordinated effort between state and district authorities represents a proactive response to fuel supply challenges, with the goal of ensuring that kerosene distribution resumes smoothly and reaches all intended beneficiaries across Maharashtra's diverse geographical landscape.
