KNOW MALTA by Peter Grima
KEROSENE CART
The cart on which a large tank was placed to hold kerosene has nearly vanished from circulation. It was usually bright coloured and had ‘Petrolju” written on its two flanks. ‘Tal-Petrolju’ as he was known did brisk business as most of the population used kerosene fired cooking stoves and if anyone could afford to have a heater in the house this would be run on kerosene. He had a particular timetable going round the same routes on specific days calculating the right time for his clients to need a fresh supply.
Today’s kerosene vendors have dwindled in number and those remaining use mechanized transport which means bigger tanks and a wider range of clientele. Some of these vendors sell other things like detergents, cleaning equipment like brooms, floor cloths and sometimes even utensils. In this modern age it is a paradox that such vendors can still ply their trade as the use of kerosene in the house is fast declining. - MALTA
KEROSENE CART
The cart on which a large tank was placed to hold kerosene has nearly vanished from circulation. It was usually bright coloured and had ‘Petrolju” written on its two flanks. ‘Tal-Petrolju’ as he was known did brisk business as most of the population used kerosene fired cooking stoves and if anyone could afford to have a heater in the house this would be run on kerosene. He had a particular timetable going round the same routes on specific days calculating the right time for his clients to need a fresh supply.
Today’s kerosene vendors have dwindled in number and those remaining use mechanized transport which means bigger tanks and a wider range of clientele. Some of these vendors sell other things like detergents, cleaning equipment like brooms, floor cloths and sometimes even utensils. In this modern age it is a paradox that such vendors can still ply their trade as the use of kerosene in the house is fast declining. - MALTA