Govt plans to bring kerosene under direct benefit transfer
Kerosene under DBT would reduce the subsidy bill by `4,000-5,000 crore, the oil minister said
New Delhi: The government is working on a plan to bring kerosene under direct benefit transfer (DBT), petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday.
Speaking at the Delhi Economics Conclave, Pradhan said: “We are looking at how to streamline kerosene. It is used by the poor. But a huge amount is diverted for industrial purposes. We have started discussions with states."
“We are confident that soon we will be able to bring kerosene under DBT. There could a reduction in the subsidy bill by ₹ 4,000-5,000 crore," he added.
Highlighting the success of DBT for cooking gas, Pradhan said 14.6 crore people receive cooking gas subsidy directly under the Pahal scheme. “Every day ₹ 70 crore subsidy is given to consumers," he said.
The minister also made a pitch for targeted subsidies. “The government should consider not giving subsidy to a particular segment. Ultimately, subsidy is for the poor," he said.
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