Reviews fuel, LPG stock position; directs strict monitoring, action against hoarding and black marketing
Jammu, Mar 11: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, IT, Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position and supply of petroleum products across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East.
During the meeting, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Minister Satish assessed the availability of essential petroleum products including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG and reviewed preparedness to tackle any possible supply disruptions arising due to the ongoing geopolitical developments.
Commissioner/Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat, Director FCS&CA Jammu/Kashmir Rifat Kohli and Dr Sagar Dattaraya, along with representatives of major oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), besides officials from Legal Metrology and the department’s finance and distribution wings, attended the meeting.
The Minister took a detailed review of the current stock levels of petroleum products across the Union Territory, the operational status of fuel depots and LPG bottling plants, and the supply chain mechanism to ensure smooth availability of fuel to consumers.
Satish Sharma emphasized the need to maintain adequate buffer stocks and strengthen coordination with oil marketing companies to address any logistical challenges. He directed officials to closely monitor the situation and ensure that no district faces shortage of essential petroleum products.
He also called for proactive planning in view of the developments in the Middle East and asked the concerned authorities to keep contingency plans ready while maintaining regular coordination with oil companies to ensure timely replenishment of stocks.
Reassuring the public, the Minister said that the government is closely monitoring the situation and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that petroleum products remain readily available across Jammu and Kashmir.
He further directed officials to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, black marketing and overcharging of petroleum products and LPG cylinders, while asking Legal Metrology and enforcement teams to intensify inspections at fuel stations and LPG outlets to safeguard consumer interests. (KNC)
