Ensure Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Across Jammu Kashmir: Satish Sharma | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, IT, Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Wednesday directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the Union Territory in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the minister assessed the availability of key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG, and reviewed preparedness to address any potential supply disruptions arising from ongoing geopolitical developments.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, FCS and CA, Saurabh Bhagat, Director FCS and CA Jammu/Kashmir Rifat Kohli, Dr Sagar Dattaraya, and representatives of major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. Officials from Legal Metrology and the department’s finance and distribution wings were also present.

During the meeting, Sharma reviewed the current stock position of petroleum products across the Union Territory, the operational status of fuel depots and LPG bottling plants, and the supply chain mechanism to ensure smooth availability to consumers.

The minister emphasised maintaining adequate buffer stocks and strengthening coordination with oil marketing companies to address logistical challenges. He directed officials to closely monitor the situation and ensure that no district faces a shortage of essential petroleum products.

Sharma also called for proactive contingency planning in view of developments in the Middle East and asked authorities to maintain regular coordination with oil companies to ensure timely replenishment of stocks.

Reassuring the public, the minister said the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure the continued availability of petroleum products across Jammu and Kashmir.

He further directed officials to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, black marketing and overcharging of petroleum products and LPG cylinders, and asked Legal Metrology and enforcement teams to intensify inspections at fuel stations and LPG outlets to safeguard consumer interests.