Govt to set up vast network of LPG, Kerosene involving panchayats

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 14 (AGENCIES) The Government plans to set up a vast network of LPG and Kerosene involving Panchayats in the country, by setting up wholesale dealers in every block and sub-dealers at lower levels to ensure availability of the cooking fuels.

''The plan has been referred to the committee of secretaries'', Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar told mediapersons on the sidelines of a function of GAIL on the second national conservation awards.

Mr Aiyar said that benefit of subsidy on LPG is only taken by the Urban or semi-urban families. Less than 50 percent population is covered only by the LPG network.

As per the proposed plan, three to five villages would be covered by a sub-dealer. A mechanism can be created by the Oil companies to check the diversion of Kerosene for other uses.