Jammu: Supplies of petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, remain normal across the twin Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, a top executive of Indian Oil Corporation said on Wednesday.
LPG supplies are also stable with adequate stock to meet public demand, while the oil refineries are operating at higher capacity to cater to increased requirements and prevent shortages, he added.
“The supply of petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, remains normal in J&K and Ladakh, while the LPG supplies are also stable, with adequate stock to meet public demand.
“The oil refineries are currently operating at more capacity to meet the growing demand, ensuring that there are no dry outs or artificial shortages,” Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and State Head of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for J&K, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, told a press conference here.
He said that despite the unprecedented national supply disruption, J&K has successfully maintained commercial LPG supply more than 70 per cent of its pre-crisis average, which reflects the sustained and coordinated efforts of oil marketing companies (OMC) and the J&K government.
“Against the pre-crisis daily average of 2,072 cylinders (commercial sale 19kg equivalent in February), we are currently delivering 1,958 cylinders per day – ensuring that commercial kitchens, industries, and establishments continue to receive a substantial and functional share of their requirement,” he said.
This has been achieved through strict supply chain management, priority-based allocation, and active monitoring, even as the nation continues to face a 25–30 per cent overall LPG supply deficit due to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, following the West Asia conflict, the official added.
Gupta assured the public that there is no need to panic as there is no issue with respect to the availability of LPG in the region.
“There has been a 25-30 per cent increase in indigenous production of LPG to further strengthen supply lines.”
He also said that 9,128 raids have been conducted and 181 surprise inspections carried out, leading to the seizure of 295 cylinders, and registration of three FIRs against illegal practices.
On hoarding and black marketing, Gupta stressed the corporation’s zero-tolerance policy.
“Dealers have been working patiently to discourage hoarding, and legal action will be taken against anyone involved in hoarding or black marketing,” he said.
He said the government is committed to maintaining a disciplined market, with 69 show cause notices issued to violators.
The IOCL Executive Director pointed out that booking for LPG is now being managed efficiently with an OTP-based verification system.
He said this system has seen 92 per cent bookings made via digital mode by genuine customers.
Additionally, measures have been undertaken to support vulnerable sections, including doubling the allocation of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders for migrant labourers, he said.
Regarding commercial LPG supply, Gupta said the demand from hospitals, educational institutes and hotels has increased from 20 per cent to 70 per cent, demonstrating the growing reliance on fuel in critical sectors.
He said the Centre has appealed for the utilisation of piped natural gas (PNG), and that a main trunk line is expected to ensure PNG supply to Jammu and Kashmir within a year.
Gupta said the stock position of Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) is normal across J&K, and OMC depots are maintaining healthy inventory levels, while retail outlets have sufficient stock for uninterrupted sales.
