Jammu, March 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, led a critical meeting on Monday to assess the inventory levels of essential goods and fuel in the Union Territory.

As per an official release, this meeting was organized considering the forthcoming celebrations of Eid and Navratri, alongside the current geopolitical challenges in West Asia.

In attendance were ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary (Home), Commissioner Secretary (Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs), Commissioner Secretary (Information), department heads, district Deputy Commissioners, Director of Information, Executive Director of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Ashutosh Gupta, oil company representatives, and other relevant officials.

Officials from outside the Union Territory participated via a virtual platform.

During the discussions, the Chief Minister scrutinized the availability and distribution of petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other vital goods across Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah urged the administration to stay alert and proactive to prevent any incidents of artificial scarcity, hoarding, or black market activity in any district.

“The administration is generally aware of the circumstances and is managing the situation effectively. However, it is essential that the work of the Food and Supplies Department is supported at the district level,” the Chief Minister stated.

He instructed all Deputy Commissioners to exercise strict oversight in their areas to ensure uninterrupted supply and equitable distribution of essential items.

“To prevent hoarding and artificial shortages, vigilant monitoring at the district level is crucial. As all districts and Deputy Commissioners are linked to this meeting, please take my directives seriously,” he added.

The Chief Minister highlighted the necessity for the administration to remain vigilant, given the unpredictable duration of the current crisis.

“We are uncertain about how long this situation will persist. It might last a few days or several weeks. Let's prepare for a duration that is longer than we would prefer. Thus, our vigilance must continue to avert any artificial shortages or black market conditions,” he remarked.

He also urged the Information Department to keep the public updated on the stock levels and supply of essential commodities to avert rumors and panic buying.

“The Information Department must consistently inform the public, reassuring them of our stable supply situation. By outlining the actions taken and the stock status, we can deter those attempting to exploit the situation,” Abdullah instructed.

Additionally, the Chief Minister called for constant monitoring of commercial LPG availability, especially in light of the ongoing Navratri festival, the imminent Eid celebrations, and the onset of the tourist season.

He suggested consulting stakeholders like restaurant owners and hoteliers before making any adjustments to commercial LPG supply, considering the anticipated tourist influx and festive period ahead.

Earlier in the meeting, Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, shared insights and cautioned that some individuals might attempt to exploit the current circumstances.

He assured that any unscrupulous actors attempting to take advantage would face strict actions.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also emphasized that Deputy Commissioners must guarantee that no violations such as black market dealings, hoarding, or price gouging occur in their districts.

He directed them to provide comprehensive support to the Legal Metrology and Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs departments to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement.

Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, provided an in-depth presentation on the supply and stock status of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir.

The presentation underscored that despite global disruptions, the stock levels of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir remain stable.

Officials reported that sufficient reserves of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available across storage facilities and distribution points in the Union Territory.

To sustain availability and prevent misuse, several regulatory measures have been enacted.

The meeting also noted the introduction of the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system to guarantee that LPG cylinders are delivered solely to genuine consumers.

Oil marketing companies have initiated an e-KYC campaign to verify customer legitimacy and identify inactive or duplicate LPG connections.

Concerning non-domestic LPG supplies, a temporary limit of 20 percent of the average monthly consumption has been instituted, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational facilities.

Moreover, the Government of India has allocated an ad hoc distribution of 468 kilolitres of PDS superior kerosene oil (SKO) for cooking and lighting, targeting vulnerable populations including Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.