By IANS,
New Delhi : An additional 10,000 tonnes of kerosene will be allocated to flood-hit Bihar, where millions have been rendered homeless after the river Kosi burst its banks, the petroleum ministry said Monday.
The decision was taken at a meeting petroleum minister Murli Deora held with the Bihar resident commissioner, the Indian Red Cross Society’s secretary general, and senior ministry officials to assess Bihar’s needs.
Currently, Bihar is allocated 54,000 tonnes of superior kerosene oil.
But, after a request from the Bihar chief minister, the quantum has been increased to deal with the massive relief efforts. The kerosene will be mostly used in the community kitchens set up in the government relief camps.
Besides, the minister also reiterated that liquefied petroleum gas would be supplied by oil marketing companies as required, to ensure that there was no shortage.
Similar instructions were also issued for transportation fuels like petroleum and diesel.
The petroleum ministry has, meanwhile, asked oil marketing companies to provide relief supplies valued at Rs.50 million through accredited agencies like the Red Cross Society of India.
“The retail outlets of the oil companies will also be made available for extending relief and assistance to the flood affected people,” said a ministry statement.