To the much trouble of the people of Valley, Government of India has decided to reduce the winter share of Kerosene for Kashmir valley. Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas New Delhi according to Kerosene Dealers of Kashmir has made of deduction of 41 percent in the allotted quota this month. It is fourth such decision in last four years which has constantly reduced the kerosene share of Valley, the oil dealers said on Monday.
Secretary Kerosene Oil Dealers Union told news agency CNS that Kashmir used to procure 61 lakh litres from the Union Government for winter months extending from October to March but the same has been continuously reduced since 2013.
“Up to 2013 winter, Kashmir received at least 61 lakh litres of Kerosene per month. The same was reduced to 41 lakh litres per month in 2015 winter,” he informed. This year the Union ministry concerned has further reduced it to 28 lakh litres per month which has come as a shock to us,” he said adding that the quota has been reduced despite the fact that Kashmir Valley depends on Kerosene owing to the power cuts and shortage of electricity.
“There are 2700 Depot holders and 28 dealers. The decision has been taken despite 20% increase in the number of ration card holders,” Secretary Kerosene Dealers Union said.
The Union office bearers said that when Kashmir would procure 61 Lakh litres of kerosene per winter month, each ration card holder would take 11 litres of kerosene home. “The kerosene quota for each family reduced to 9 litres when Kashmir was allotted only 51 lakh litres per month in 2015 winter,” they added.
But the quota was further reduced in 2015 winter because Kashmir was given only 41 lakh litres each month. “A Ration card holder was given 7 litres in that period.”
The Union said, “if Kashmir is given only 28 lakh litres per month this winter, a ration card holder will be getting “only 2.5 litres” of kerosene a month.”
“We are unable to understand the formula and the justice behind the decrease of 41% quota in Kashmir,” the Union statement said, “there is decrease of to 4% only in other states.”
The union said that Kashmir procured kerosene twice a year. “One quota is for winter months and another is for summer season which is less than that of winter for people consume more kerosene in winters.”
28 dealers supply kerosene to Kashmir. “There are 2700 depot holders in Valley who take a commission of 40 paisa per litre home,” the Union members said, “all of us will further suffer in the new situation.”
They alleged that the decision from the Union Ministry will only add to hardships of the common people.
(CNS)