Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir has adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG, and there is no need for panic buying, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma said on Tuesday.
Replying to a calling attention motion moved by MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in the Assembly, Sharma said the department is closely monitoring the availability and distribution of petroleum products across the Union Territory.
He said daily stock reports from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) indicate that supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG are sufficient, despite a temporary spike in demand triggered by geopolitical tensions.
The minister urged people to ignore rumours, asserting that the overall supply chain remains stable.
Sharma said divisional and district-level control rooms are functional, while regular inspections and raids are being conducted to check hoarding and black marketing. Strict action, including fines, penalties and FIRs, is being taken against violators, he added.
Since March 17, a total of 3,442 inspections have been carried out, with 252 goods seized and 2,443 complaints redressed, he said.
He further informed that supply of motor spirit and high-speed diesel is being monitored daily from outlet to bulk levels in coordination with OMCs, while district-level committees headed by deputy commissioners are overseeing stock positions.
The minister also said there are no reports of panic buying or rumours, adding that the government has undertaken media briefings and public outreach to maintain transparency and prevent misinformation.(NVI)
