By: Rehan Qayoom Mir
Jammu, Mar 11: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Transport, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma on Wednesday urged residents of Jammu and Kashmir not to panic over fuel supplies, assuring that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the Union Territory.
Warning hoarders and black marketers of strict action, the minister said the government is maintaining close vigil over fuel stations and LPG outlets and anyone found indulging in hoarding, overcharging or black marketing will face stringent legal consequences.
Sharma was speaking after chairing a high-level meeting to assess the stock position and supply of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG, across the UT in view of the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The meeting was attended by Legislators Zafar Khatana, Saif-ud-Din Bhat and Dr Shafi Wani, Commissioner/Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat, Directors FCS&CA Jammu and Kashmir Rifat Kohli and Dr Sagar Dattaraya, representatives from 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.
During the meeting, the minister reviewed the current stock levels, operational status of fuel depots and LPG bottling plants, and the supply chain mechanism to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel to consumers.
He stressed maintaining adequate buffer stocks, strengthening coordination with oil companies and keeping contingency plans ready to tackle any potential supply disruptions.
Reassuring the public, Sharma said the administration is fully vigilant and committed to safeguarding consumer interests. He directed officials to intensify inspections at fuel stations and LPG outlets to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent hoarding or overcharging.
Highlighting the global nature of energy markets, the minister referred to past disruptions in the Gulf region and appealed to citizens not to panic. He also urged the public to report any irregularities, assuring swift action against offenders and uninterrupted supply of essential fuels across Jammu and Kashmir. (Inputs from KNO)
