SRINAGAR: Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock and supply position of essential commodities and petroleum products across the Union Territory in view of the upcoming festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Navratri, as well as the prevailing geopolitical developments in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakeena Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior officials from various departments, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and representatives of oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Officials from outside Srinagar participated through virtual mode.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the availability and supply of petroleum products, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed the administration to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure that no artificial scarcity, hoarding or black marketing of essential items occurs in any district.
Abdullah emphasised that while the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is responsible for maintaining supplies, district administrations must complement these efforts by closely monitoring the situation on the ground.
He instructed all Deputy Commissioners to maintain strict oversight to ensure smooth supply and fair distribution of essential commodities in their respective districts.
The Chief Minister said the administration must remain prepared as the duration of the current global situation remains uncertain and directed officials to continue close monitoring to prevent any disruption in supplies.
He also asked the Information Department to regularly update the public regarding the stock position and supply of essential commodities to prevent rumours and panic buying.
Abdullah further directed the administration to closely monitor the availability of commercial LPG, especially in view of the ongoing Navratri festival, the upcoming Eid celebrations and the beginning of the tourist season. He stressed the need to consult stakeholders such as hotel and restaurant owners before making any decision regarding rationalisation of commercial LPG supply.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister Satish Sharma, who holds the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs portfolio, said that strict action would be taken against any elements attempting to exploit the situation through hoarding or profiteering.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also directed Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict enforcement in their districts and extend full support to the Legal Metrology and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs departments for effective monitoring.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat presented a detailed overview of the stock and supply position of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir.
The presentation highlighted that despite global disruptions, the supply situation in the Union Territory remains stable, with adequate reserves of petrol, diesel and LPG available at storage facilities and distribution outlets.
To ensure proper distribution, several regulatory measures have been introduced. These include the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system to ensure LPG cylinders are delivered only to genuine consumers. Oil marketing companies have also launched an e-KYC campaign to verify customers and identify inactive or duplicate LPG connections.
Officials also informed that a temporary cap of 20 percent of average monthly consumption has been placed on non-domestic LPG supplies, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments.
The meeting was further informed that the Government of India has provided an ad-hoc allocation of 468 kilolitres of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for cooking and lighting purposes, particularly for vulnerable groups including families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
