Jammu, Apr 22 (JKNS): Amid prevailing concerns over global supply disruptions, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday clarified that petrol, diesel, and LPG supplies across Jammu and Kashmir remain stable and sufficient, urging the public not to panic or fall for misinformation.
As per news agency JKNS, The PIB Jammu organized a press conference here on the current status of fuel and LPG supply in Jammu and Kashmir amidst the ongoing situation in West Asia. In her opening remarks, Ms. Neha Jalali, Director, PIB Jammu, provided an overview of the steps taken by the Government of India to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of essential petroleum products, including diesel, petrol, and LPG, across the country.
She highlighted that the Government has implemented several proactive measures to mitigate any disruptions to the supply chain.
Jalali informed that more than 30 inter-ministerial briefings have been held in New Delhi to provide a status on the supply of fuel, LPG, and fertilizers.
She also emphasized the crucial role played by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through PIB and its associated media units, in disseminating accurate and factual information regarding fuel availability.
She stated that the PIB has been actively countering misinformation and fake news related to fuel shortages. She urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources and to refrain from spreading unverified news, which could cause unnecessary panic and disruptions.
Briefing media on the occasion, Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and State Head of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for J&K, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh said the supply of petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, remains normal in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
He said LPG supplies are also stable, with adequate stock to meet public demand. He said oil refineries are currently operating at more capacity to meet the growing demand, ensuring that there are no dry outs or artificial shortages.
Gupta said despite the unprecedented national supply disruption, J&K has successfully maintained commercial LPG supply more than 70% of its pre-crisis average. This figures reflects the sustained and coordinated efforts of OMCs and J&K Government, he stated.
“Against the pre-crisis daily average of 2072 cylinders (commercial sale 19kg equivalent in February 26), we are currently delivering 1958 cylinders per day ensuring that commercial kitchens, industries, and establishments continue to receive a substantial and functional share of their requirement”, he said.
This has been achieved through strict supply chain management, priority-based allocation, and active monitoring even as the nation continues to face a 25–30% overall LPG supply deficit due to the Hormuz disruption.
Gupta assured the public that there is no need to panic as there is no issue with respect to the availability of LPG in the region, and informed that there has been a 25-30 per cent increase in indigenous production of LPG to further strengthen supply lines.
He informed that 9,128 raids have been conducted and 181 surprise inspections carried out. “We have already seized 295 cylinders, and three FIRs have been registered against illegal practices,” he said.
On hoarding and black marketing, Gupta stressed the corporation’s zero tolerance policy. “Dealers have been working with patience to discourage hoarding, and legal action will be taken against anyone involved in hoarding or black marketing,” he said.
The government is committed to maintaining a disciplined market, with 69 show cause-notices issued to violators, he added. Also, complaints of malpractices by some of the LPG Distributors are being reported on social media as well as through complaints from the customers.
He said some complaints were received on social media on the current crisis, and immediate response is given to the genuine concerns. Relevant information and updates for the benefit of the customers is shared via our various Social Media Handles from time to time.
The IOCL Executive Director pointed out that booking for LPG is now being managed efficiently with OTP-based verification system. He informed that this system has seen 92 per cent of bookings made via digital mode by genuine customers.
Additionally, FTL 5-kg cylinders have been made available for migrant workers. He also informed that 55 camps have been organized for daily wage workers to provide easy access to fuel in the form of FTL cylinders.
The Executive Director said that total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels.
Additional measures have been undertaken to support vulnerable sections, including doubling the allocation of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for migrant labourers.
Regarding commercial LPG supply, Gupta stated that the demand from hospitals, educational institutes, and hotels has increased from 20% to 70%, demonstrating the growing reliance on fuel in critical sectors.
He also mentioned that the Government of India has appealed for the utilization of PNG (Piped Natural Gas), and that a main trunk line is expected to ensure PNG supply to Jammu and Kashmir within a year.
Gupta said the stock position of Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) is normal across J&K, adding that OMC depots are maintaining healthy inventory levels, while retail outlets have sufficient stock for uninterrupted sales. He said there is no cause for concern regarding the availability of automotive fuels.
State Level Coordinator of Oil Industry in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Sh. Himanshu Sharma and officials of OICL were also present on the occasion. (JKNS)