Kerala has cut the monthly kerosene quota to ration card-holders with power and LPG connections.

According to government sources, this is estimated to affect 67 lakh families in the state.

Issued by the Director, Civil Supplies, the relevant order said that the monthly supply of 1.5 litres to these families was being stopped till further orders. This has been necessitated in view of a cut in the central quota of the oil to the state.

Allocation to the state for April was pegged down to 10,016 kilolitres against 15,960 kilolitres in March.

Households with power connection were eligible for 1.5 litres every month and others, five litres at Rs 14.50 per litre.

The latest order has effectively limited the number of beneficiaries to nine lakh families without power and LPG connections.

Of the 76 lakh ration card-holders in the state, about 10 lakh have no power connection, but about one lakh of these have LPG connections.

>vinson@thehindu.co.in