Srinagar, Mar 16: Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position of petroleum products and essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia and the upcoming festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Navratri.
The Chief Minister directed the administration to remain vigilant and ensure that there is no hoarding, artificial scarcity or black marketing of essential commodities anywhere in the Union Territory. He asked Deputy Commissioners of all districts to maintain strict oversight to ensure smooth supply and fair distribution of petroleum products, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other essential items.
“Ensuring that there is no hoarding, artificial scarcity or black market conditions will require strong oversight at the district level,” the Chief Minister said, while urging officers to stay alert as the duration of the current crisis remains uncertain.
Abdullah also directed the Information Department to keep the public regularly informed about the stock position and supply situation in order to prevent rumours and panic buying.
“Regular updates about the available supplies and steps taken by the administration will help reassure people and prevent misuse of the situation,” he said.
The Chief Minister further asked the administration to closely monitor the availability of commercial LPG, especially in view of the ongoing Navratras, the upcoming Eid festival and the expected increase in tourist inflow in the region. He stressed that inputs from stakeholders such as hotel and restaurant owners should be taken before any rationalisation of commercial LPG supply is undertaken.
The meeting was attended by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, along with senior officers of various departments, representatives of oil companies and Deputy Commissioners of all districts who joined the meeting virtually.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat gave a detailed presentation on the supply and stock position of petroleum products and LPG in the Union Territory.
Officials informed the meeting that despite global disruptions, the stock position of petrol, diesel and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir remains stable, with adequate reserves available across storage facilities and distributorships.
To ensure transparency and prevent misuse, several regulatory measures have been implemented. These include the Delivery Authentication Code system for LPG cylinder deliveries and an e-KYC campaign by oil marketing companies to verify consumers and identify inactive or duplicate connections.
The meeting was also informed that a temporary cap of 20 per cent of the average monthly consumption has been placed on non-domestic LPG supplies, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments.
In addition, the Government of India has provided an ad-hoc allocation of 468 kilolitres of PDS Superior Kerosene Oil for cooking and lighting purposes, primarily targeting vulnerable groups including Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the administration will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
