| Chief Secretary assesses fuel stock position across J&K | | Assures of adequate availability, directs strict action against hoarders | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 24: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the availability and distribution of petroleum products across the districts of the Union of J&K.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners; senior officers of the Legal Metrology and Food Supply Departments along with the representatives of Oil Marketing Companies.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised about the present stock position of all major petroleum products including Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), aviation turbine fuel, and LPG available across the Union Territory.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy, the Chief Secretary directed strict legal action against any instances of hoarding, black marketing, overcharging, or diversion of petroleum products. He emphasized the need for strict vigilance at all levels to safeguard consumer interests
While reviewing district-wise supply, he asked the Deputy Commissioners to furnish detailed reports on availability and distribution. He noted thatnodoubt overall situation remains satisfactory but stressed that all eligible domestic and commercial consumers must receive LPG supplies without delay, with priority accorded to genuine beneficiaries.
The Chief Secretary further underscored the importance of doorstep delivery of LPG and directed Oil Marketing Companies to maintain adequate stock levels at retail outlets, dealer points, and buffer depots to ensure uninterrupted supply.
He also instructed the Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, to conduct regular reviews with district administrations, maintain close coordination, and keep the higher authorities informed. He emphasized the need for officers to remain accessible to the public and ensure prompt redressal of grievances.
On infrastructure development, the Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioner andconcerned Deputy Commissioners to resolve land acquisition and other bottlenecks to facilitate the early operationalisation of the under-construction gas pipeline. He also asked Urban Local Bodies to prioritise domestic connections once the trunk pipeline becomes operational in t "Furnish detailed reports on availability and distribution. Overall situation remains satisfactory but ensure that all eligible domestic and commercial consumers receive LPG supplies without delay, with priority accorded to genuine beneficiaries."
A detailed presentation by Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhaghat, highlighted that the overall stock position across the Union Territory remains stable. Petrol stocks are sufficient for approximately 9–10 days, diesel for 16–17 days, and LPG for around 12–13 days, including transit stock, ensuring uninterrupted availability.
On LPG supply, it was informed that 100 percent domestic LPG demand is being met across J&K, with seamless distribution and no major complaints reported. Supply coverage stands at about 24 days in urban areas and 35 days in rural areas, with OTP-based delivery systems ensuring transparency.
The Chief Secretary was also informed that a robust monitoring mechanism has been put in place, including real-time tracking and daily reporting of stock positions. District administrations have been directed to closely monitor supply and distribution, supported by district-level committees and task forces to ensure fair and transparent allocation.
Highlighting enforcement efforts, it was reported that 1,418 inspections and raids were conducted across districts between March 17 and 23, resulting in action against violators and seizure of commodities in several cases. Additionally, over 1,000 public grievances were addressed promptly, reflecting an efficient grievance redressal mechanism.
As part of alternate fuel arrangements, all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families are being provided 2 litres of kerosene oil per month through Aadhaar-seeded ration cards under the RCMS system.
The meeting also noted significant progress in streamlining LPG distribution through large-scale e-KYC verification, with nearly 20 lakh consumers already verified. The process is continuing at a rapid pace to enhance transparency and prevent misuse.
It was further informed that under the commercial category, the Government of India has enhanced allocation from 20 percent to 50 percent of assessed supply, including a general increase and a special incentive component.
Regarding the pipeline project, it was apprised that the Union Territory is compliant with all incentive conditions. The pipeline is currently being laid in Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts and is expected to become operational within the next two to three months.
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