Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the availability and distribution of LPG, petroleum products, fertilisers and other essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir amid the prevailing situation in West Asia.
Chairing a meeting attended by Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and representatives of Oil Marketing Companies, the Chief Secretary directed all district administrations to closely monitor stock positions and supply chains on a daily basis.
He instructed oil companies to provide Deputy Commissioners access to their digital portals for real-time monitoring of LPG distribution and delivery timelines in both urban and rural areas.
Dulloo asked field administrations to regularly interact with farmers, industrialists and other stakeholders to assess the availability of fuel and fertilisers and ensure timely payment of wages to workers in the industrial sector.
He also directed that priority be given to hospitals, universities, residential schools and hostels in the supply of essential commodities. The Chief Secretary stressed the need to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply for migrant labourers engaged in infrastructure projects across the Union Territory.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy, Dulloo directed strict legal action against hoarding, black marketing, overcharging and diversion of petroleum products. He called for intensified market inspections and greater vigilance.
He further directed the Information Department to launch an intensive IEC campaign to counter rumours, fake news and misinformation regarding supply of essential commodities.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat informed that 100 per cent domestic demand for LPG is currently being met in Jammu and Kashmir and there is no major disruption in supply. He also said that the government is expanding the Piped Natural Gas network in the Union Territory.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar informed that the Jammu division currently has LPG stock sufficient for 15 days, with another 18 days’ supply in transit. Petrol and diesel stocks are available for 12 and 19 days respectively, with further supplies in transit.
He said hospitals in Jammu division have dry ration and LPG stock for up to two months, while hostels have sufficient supplies for around one month.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the Valley also has LPG stock sufficient for 15 days and an additional 18 days’ supply in transit. Petrol and diesel stocks are available for about 12 and 19 days, respectively.
He informed that most LPG deliveries in Kashmir are being completed within five days of booking, while only 2,298 deliveries are pending beyond 15 days.
According to the administration, 2,253 grievance calls were received on helpline numbers in Kashmir, of which 2,228 have already been resolved.
The meeting was informed that more than 1,920 market inspections have been conducted in the Valley, leading to sealing of four petrol pumps and gas agencies and registration of three FIRs in cases of hoarding and black marketing.
The government said food grain and fertiliser stocks remain stable across districts and urged people not to panic, assuring that there is no shortage of essential commodities in Jammu and Kashmir.
