CS reviews position of Fuel, LPG stocks across districts

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal DullooThursday chaired a high-level meeting with the concerned Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners and District Administrations to review the availability and distribution of essential commodities across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in light of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, with the aim of ensuring adequate buffering against any potential supply chain disruptions.
The meeting highlighted the stable stock levels of essential fuels, including Motor Spirit (Petrol), High-Speed Diesel (HSD), and LPG, within the Union Territory (UT). Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining these reserves, which are further supported by significant stocks in transit. He reviewed public grievances related to fuel supply and underscored the necessity for intensified information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns, alongside strict inspections to combat hoarding, overpricing, and black marketing of essential commodities. In terms of supply management, the Commissioner Secretary for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs reported that measures are in place to ensure a smooth supply chain, particularly for migrant populations and laborers, including the availability of 5 kg LPG cylinders. The Chief Secretary called for ensuring that 70 percent of supplies are directed to commercial and industrial sectors, while also urging the expedited completion of e-KYC for active consumers. For the Jammu Division, the Divisional Commissioner reported robust stock levels, with 7,325 KL of Petrol and 27,241 KL of Diesel, alongside a 49-day cover for Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) and 12 days for Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Districts such as Udhampur, Kathua, and Doda showed strong stock levels, while Kishtwar and Ramban are under close monitoring to maintain adequate supply buffers. The division has 47,296 LPG cylinders in stock, with recent deliveries aimed at bridging the demand-supply gap. In the Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner noted the availability of 7,721 KL of Petrol and 13,487 KL of Diesel, providing a reserve cover of 19 days for Petrol and 21 days for Diesel, with LPG reserves ensuring a 16-day cover. District assessments indicated stable availability, particularly in Srinagar, Anantnag, and Pulwama, with sufficient local storage supported by divisional reserves. The administration is actively monitoring supply to ensure that tourism and commercial activities remain unaffected. Deputy Commissioners presented updates on the supply and distribution of LPG, fuels, and food grains, along with enforcement actions against violators and progress in grievance redressal. The Chief Secretary directed strict monitoring of market prices to prevent exploitation and ensure the seamless delivery of essential commodities, particularly in remote areas. He reassured the public of the UT’s preparedness, stating that existing stock levels and supplies in transit are sufficient to maintain normalcy across Jammu and Kashmir, alleviating any concerns of panic.