Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed the availability and stock position of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular focus on petroleum products, LPG and other critical supplies required for public consumption and the upcoming peak tourism and pilgrimage season.
The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma; Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Saurabh Bhagat; Commissioner Secretary, Information; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, senior officers of the FCS&CA Department, representatives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners and SSPs joined the meeting through video conferencing.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need to maintain uninterrupted supplies of all essential commodities, including petroleum products, LPG and fertilizers, across Jammu and Kashmir. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that LPG meant for domestic consumers is not diverted for commercial use and called for strict monitoring to prevent such irregularities.
He also stressed the importance of completing the e-KYC process for all eligible beneficiaries to enable them to continue receiving subsidies without interruption. Dulloo underscored the need for extensive awareness campaigns across all districts so that consumers are adequately informed about the benefits and requirements of e-KYC registration.
The Chief Secretary further directed district administrations to regularly assess the stock position of essential commodities in residential institutions, hospitals and other critical establishments. He also instructed Deputy Commissioners to review the availability of essential supplies for migratory labourers residing at various project sites and workplaces across the Union Territory to ensure that no section of society faces inconvenience.
Highlighting the importance of supporting economic activity and public welfare, Dulloo directed the concerned departments to ensure timely payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, presented a detailed overview of fertilizer availability across both divisions and informed the meeting that the department is ensuring rational and equitable distribution of fertilizers.
He urged district administrations to intensify awareness among farmers regarding the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a flagship initiative aimed at reducing excessive dependence on nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea and encouraging the use of balanced NPK fertilizers containing nutrients in appropriate proportions.
Verma said the campaign promotes sustainable agricultural practices through greater adoption of organic farming methods and the use of organic manure to improve soil health and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. He also sought the support of district administrations in identifying and eliminating the sale and use of spurious and substandard insecticides from the market, noting that such products adversely affect agricultural productivity and crop health.
Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, briefed the meeting on the department’s monitoring mechanism covering 40 essential commodities across the Union Territory. He informed that prices of these commodities remained largely stable across districts, with only marginal variations from previous trends.
Bhagat also apprised the meeting of inspections carried out by the department and enforcement actions initiated against violators found indulging in profiteering, overcharging and other market irregularities.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, informed the meeting that available stocks and supplies in transit are sufficient to meet consumer requirements. He said Jammu Division currently has adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, kerosene and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), with additional consignments already in transit, ensuring uninterrupted availability.
The meeting was informed that commercial LPG supplies in Jammu Division remain stable. Against the total demand generated by hospitality establishments and industrial units, a substantial quantity of cylinders has already been supplied, while the remaining demand is being met through a continuous replenishment process. The department has maintained close coordination with oil marketing companies to ensure timely deliveries and prevent supply disruptions.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, informed the meeting that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the Valley. The stock position, supplemented by supplies in transit, is sufficient to comfortably meet consumer demand.
He said the supply chain remains stable and there has been no indication of any shortage or disruption in any district.
The Chief Secretary was also briefed about the availability of commercial LPG at major tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar. Officials informed the meeting that regular interactions are being held with stakeholders from the hospitality sector and no shortage of LPG has been reported at any tourist destination.
It was further highlighted that advance arrangements have been made to cater to the increased demand arising from tourist inflow and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining seamless supplies of essential commodities, Dulloo directed the concerned departments, divisional and district administrations and law enforcement agencies to continue close monitoring of stock positions and strengthen coordination with oil marketing companies and distributors.
He stressed the need for proactive planning to ensure that consumers, tourists and pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during the peak tourism season and the annual pilgrimage.
