Minister Satish Sharma conducts LPG market inspections, warns against black marketing
Jammu, March 20, KNT: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, IT, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma on Friday led an extensive market checking drive from Katra to Jammu, focusing on the availability and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), officials said.
The inspections were carried out across LPG godowns, distribution outlets and retail points, where the Minister reviewed stock positions, delivery systems and compliance with regulatory norms.
The drive comes amid efforts by the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and prevent malpractice in the distribution system.
During the inspections, the Minister interacted with consumers, delivery personnel and distributors to assess ground-level issues related to availability, pricing and service delivery.
“There will be no atonement for those found indulging in black marketing or exploiting consumers. Anyone violating the law will face strict legal action,” Sharma said.
He warned against black marketing, hoarding, overcharging and any attempts to create artificial scarcity of LPG, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards such practices.
Officials said the Minister was briefed about stock levels and supply chain mechanisms, with authorities maintaining that adequate LPG supplies are available across the region.
Sharma directed officers of the FCS&CA department to intensify market checking drives across all districts and maintain strict vigilance to curb irregularities.
He also called for strengthening monitoring mechanisms, including regular inspections and real-time reporting, to ensure transparency and accountability in the system.
The Minister stressed the need for coordination with law enforcement agencies to enforce regulations and maintain discipline in the market.
He also appealed to the public to report instances of overcharging, hoarding or denial of service, assuring that prompt action would be taken against violators.
Senior officers of the department and district administration accompanied the Minister during the inspection drive.
The government said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring fair distribution of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
