Jammu, Apr 02: Amid the prevailing situation in West Asia, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners and District Administrations to assess the availability and distribution of essential commodities across the Union Territory.
The meeting, which was also attended by representatives of Oil Marketing Companies, focused on ensuring uninterrupted supply and efficient distribution of LPG, petrol, diesel, fertilizers and other essential commodities across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Secretary directed the Divisional and District Administrations to accord top priority to daily monitoring of stock positions and supply chains of these essential commodities. He instructed the Oil Marketing Companies to provide real-time access to their digital portals to Deputy Commissioners to enable close tracking of LPG distribution and ensure adherence to prescribed delivery timelines in both rural and urban areas.
Emphasising the need for grassroots-level feedback, Dulloo asked the field administrations to regularly engage with farmers, industrialists and other stakeholders to assess the availability of fertilizers and fuel, as well as the timely disbursement of wages to workers in the industrial sector. He further directed departments to intensify inspections in coordination with local administrations to ensure seamless supply to the farming community.
The Chief Secretary stressed that priority must be accorded to critical institutions such as hospitals, universities, residential schools and hostels. He also underscored the importance of ensuring adequate fuel supply to migrant labourers engaged in key infrastructure and development projects across the UT.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy, Dulloo directed strict legal action against hoarding, black marketing, overcharging or diversion of petroleum products. He called for enhanced vigilance at all levels and emphasized the need for frequent and rigorous market inspections to safeguard consumer interests.
He further instructed all departments and district administrations to remain accessible to the public and ensure prompt redressal of grievances, with proactive communication to inform citizens about the resolution of their concerns.
Highlighting the importance of effective communication, the Chief Secretary urged the Information Department to launch an intensive IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign to curb misinformation, rumours and fake news. He emphasized that misinformation is detrimental to public order and must be countered firmly.
Earlier, a detailed presentation was made by Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Saurabh Bhagat, outlining long-term strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience in the Union Territory. He elaborated on department-wise interventions aimed at ensuring sustained availability of essential commodities, particularly in view of the region’s challenging terrain.
Regarding LPG supply, it was informed that 100 percent domestic demand is currently being met across J&K, with smooth distribution and no major disruptions reported. The meeting was also informed that the Department is in the process of expanding the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network to ensure continuous and reliable supply in the future.
Position in Jammu Division:
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, informed that the division currently has LPG stocks sufficient for 15 days, with an additional 18 days of supply in transit. Petrol and diesel stocks are available for 12 and 19 days respectively, with further supplies of 16 and 19 days in transit.
He also apprised that there are no abnormal price trends or shortages reported across the districts. Adequate stock of dry ration and LPG is available in hospitals (up to two months) and hostels (around one month). Payments to MSMEs and wage disbursements to labourers are proceeding smoothly without disruptions.
Scenario in Kashmir Division
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg, informed that LPG stocks in the Valley are sufficient for 15 days, with an additional 18 days in transit. Petrol and diesel availability stands at approximately 12 and 19 days respectively, with further supplies in the pipeline.
The meeting was informed that most LPG deliveries are being completed within five days of booking, with only 2,298 deliveries pending beyond 15 days across the Valley.
It was further reported that 2,253 grievance calls were received on helpline numbers, out of which 2,228 have been resolved by the concerned district administrations.
Enforcement efforts have also been intensified, with over 1,920 market inspections conducted across the valley. These have resulted in the sealing of four petrol pumps/gas agencies and registration of three FIRs for violations such as hoarding and black marketing.
The meeting also reviewed the distribution and availability of food grains and fertilizers across districts, reaffirming that the overall supply position remains stable and well under control.
The administration has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic, assuring that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the Union Territory and that all necessary measures are in place for now to maintain uninterrupted supply.
