West Asia Conflict: CM Omar reviews stock and supply of LPG cylinders, essential commodities
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed officers to ensure there is no “artificial scarcity” or black marketing of essential commodities across the Union territory ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Navratri festivals.
Abdullah chaired a meeting to review the stock of essential commodities and petroleum products in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the upcoming festivals of Eid and Navratri and the prevailing tensions in West Asia.
During the meeting, the chief minister instructed all deputy commissioners to ensure no hoarding or black marketing of petroleum goods including LPG, stressing the need for strong oversight at the district level to prevent artificial scarcity of essential commodities.
“I think the administration as a whole is well aware of the situation, and is on top of things. I would like to reiterate that while the food and supplies department does its work, this must be complemented and supplemented in the districts,” Abdullah said.
He directed deputy commissioners to maintain strict oversight at district level to ensure smooth supply and fair distribution of essential commodities.
Abdullah said the administration must remain alert as the duration of the present crisis is uncertain. “We don’t know how long this will last. It could last a couple of days, it could last a few weeks. Let us assume it may last longer than we are comfortable with. Therefore, we must continue to ensure no artificial scarcity or black marketing,” he said.
He also directed the information department to keep the public informed about the stock and supply of essential commodities to prevent rumours and panic buying.
The chief minister also directed the administration to maintain constant vigil over the availability of commercial LPG, particularly in view of the ongoing Navratras, the upcoming Eid and the beginning of the tourist season.
He instructed officials to take inputs from stakeholders such as restaurant owners and hoteliers before any rationalisation of commercial LPG supply is undertaken in view of tourist inflow and festivities.
To ensure sustained availability and prevention of misuse several regulatory measures have been implemented, an official spokesman said.
He said the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system has been introduced to ensure LPG cylinders are delivered only to genuine consumers.
Oil marketing companies have also launched an e-KYC campaign to verify customer authenticity and identify inactive or duplicate LPG connections.
Regarding non-domestic LPG supplies, a temporary cap of 20 per cent of the average monthly consumption has been placed, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments.
The meeting was attended by ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo.
Earlier during the meeting, Minister Satish Sharma, who holds the portfolio of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, shared inputs and drew attention to certain elements that may attempt to exploit the prevailing situation. He assured the meeting that any unscrupulous elements trying to take advantage of the circumstances would be dealt with strictly and made an example of.
Similarly, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed that Deputy Commissioners must ensure that no violations such as black marketing, hoarding or profiteering occur in their respective districts. He directed them to extend all possible support to the Legal Metrology and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs departments to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement during the current situation.
Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat gave a detailed presentation on the supply and stock position of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir.
The presentation highlighted that despite the global disruptions affecting the stock position of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir remains stable.
The meeting was informed that adequate reserves of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across storage facilities and distributorships in J&K.
To ensure sustained availability and prevent misuse, several regulatory measures have been implemented.
The meeting was also informed that the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system has been introduced to ensure that LPG cylinders are delivered only to genuine consumers. Oil marketing companies have also launched an e-KYC campaign to verify customer authenticity and identify inactive or duplicate LPG connections.
Regarding non-domestic LPG supplies, a temporary cap of 20 percent of the average monthly consumption has been placed, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments.
The presentation further informed that the Government of India has provided an ad-hoc allocation of 468 kilolitres of PDS Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for cooking and lighting purposes, primarily targeting vulnerable groups including Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.
