Warns black marketers, hoarders of stringent legal action; urges people to stay calm
Jammu, Mar 11: Warning black marketers and hoarders of dire consequences, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Satish Sharma, on Wednesday urged residents of Jammu & Kashmir to stay calm as there is no shortage of fuel in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters here, Minister Sharma, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), assured the public that petroleum and LPG supplies are adequate across the region.
He said the government is closely monitoring all fuel stations and LPG outlets and anyone found hoarding or indulging in black marketing will face stringent legal action.
Earlier in the day, Sharma chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position and supply of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG, in view of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat, Directors of FCS&CA Jammu and Kashmir Rifat Kohli and Dr. Sagar Dattaraya, representatives from major oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and officials from Legal Metrology, finance and distribution wings.
During the meeting, further Sharma reviewed 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 buffer stocks, strengthening coordination with oil companies and proactive planning to address potential supply disruptions.
Reassuring the public, the minister said the administration is fully vigilant and committed to safeguarding consumer interests.
He also directed officials to maintain strict vigil against hoarding, black marketing and overcharging, instructing Legal Metrology and enforcement teams to intensify inspections at fuel stations and LPG outlets to ensure compliance with regulations.
Highlighting the global nature of energy markets, Sharma drew parallels with past disruptions in the Gulf and appealed to citizens not to panic. “In this era, we are a global village. Vigilance and reason must prevail,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment, under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, to peace, prosperity and communal harmony.
He further urged the public to report any irregularities, assuring swift action against offenders and uninterrupted supply of essential fuels throughout Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)
