Households, commercial establishments say kerosene a better choice than coal, district supply office ready with infra to start distribution

Nashik: Starved of alternative fuel options, citizens across the region are almost relieved to cling to the govt's fresh lifeline in kerosene distribution. For many, especially restaurant owners, mess operators and residents of densely packed slums, the announcement feels less like a policy decision and more like a rescue rope thrown at the right moment.In Bharat Nagar slum, residents who still don't have LPG connections described the move as long overdue. Many have been forced to burn diesel in kerosene-designed stoves — an expensive, smoky and unsafe compromise they never wanted to make. "We used to get blue kerosene through PDS (public distribution system), but it stopped after 2019. Diesel became our only option… LPG is cheaper in the long run, but the one-time cost is impossible for us. So, we burn diesel," said Ramesh Lokhande, speaking with the weary finality of someone who has waited too long for basic fuel security.Commercial kitchens echoed the sentiment ."Kerosene is far better than coal and wood since it doesn't emanate suffocating smoke and the cooking is faster. We'll invest in new stoves if we must, but anything is better than the coal we're burning now," mess owner Himanshu Sawant said, welcoming the decision with visible relief.Petroleum dealers, however, acknowledged a gap in the system. Kerosene has never been sold through petrol pumps. Yet, sensing the urgency of the moment, they signalled readiness. "If govt issues guidelines and supports infrastructure needs, we are prepared to set up whatever is required," a dealer said, hinting at an industry bracing for unfamiliar but necessary change.But the district administration insists the machinery is already in place and can be switched on quickly. Assistant district supply officer Ramesh Gaikwad reminded that the old kerosene distribution network remained intact. "The earlier supply chain through PDS kerosene dealers is still valid. They have licences for handling inflammable material and only need to renew a few permissions. We can activate the system immediately once govt issues orders," Gaikwad said.