PDP MP seeks immediate restoration of Kerosene oil quota to Kashmir

JAMMU: Senior PDP leader and MP Tariq Hameed Karra has termed as "unfair" the order of Petroleum Ministry to reduce the quota of kerosene oil to Kashmir in this harsh winter conditions, and sought Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's personal intervention in immediate revocation of the order.

"We are seeking immediate revocation of Union Petroleum Ministry order reducing kerosene oil quota to Kashmir. I have sought personal intervention of the Union Petroleum Minister in the matter", Karra said in a statement today.

Karra has, in a letter to the Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, said reduction in kerosene oil quota to Kashmir amid harsh winter conditions is an unfair decision, which needs to be revoked immediately.

He said the arbitrary move has not only added to the miseries of common people in Kashmir who are dependent on extra fuel during winters, but has especially made the life of flood-affected people miserable who are living in makeshift places.

The PDP MP said the massive 37 per cent cut in kerosene oil supply to Kashmir would also leave hundreds of people jobless who are dependent on the trade for their livelihood.

"Kashmir is already facing substantial shortfall in LPG retail outlets as compared to other parts of the country and reduction in kerosene oil quota is only going to aggravate the fuel crisis in the state," he said.

He added that the Union Petroleum Ministry should release sufficient quota of kerosene oil to Kashmir keeping in view its peculiar topography, climatic conditions and the massive damage caused of floods.