MUMBAI: Even though the state is inching close to a kerosene-free status, the existing supply of the combustible oil is far from meeting the Centre’s directive of bringing down the sulphur content from 2.5% (2,500 parts per million) to 0.10% (100 parts per million), a reduction of 96%. As a result, up to 15% of the sulphur and carbon monoxide load in Mumbai’s air is due to domestic burning – mainly kerosene used in slums and surrounding rural areas – forcing Mumbaikars to breathe the poisonous gas.
It’s been almost four years since the central environment ministry’s notification directed petroleum companies to bring down sulphur content in kerosene. However, only a miniscule quota of kerosene alloted to the army has been converted to the expected sulphur standards, say activists.
