Petrol, Diesel, LPG Supplies Adequate but Govt Tightens Vigilance Mechanism
Srinagar, March 24, KNT: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday ordered strict legal action against hoarding, black marketing and overcharging of petroleum products across Jammu and Kashmir, warning violators of zero tolerance as authorities reviewed fuel availability across districts.
The direction comes amid heightened global energy concerns, with the administration moving to tighten enforcement and ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and LPG across the Union Territory.
Officials said the Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners and enforcement agencies to maintain strict vigilance and take immediate action against any irregularities in distribution.
“Zero tolerance will be adopted against hoarding, overcharging or diversion of petroleum products,” Dulloo said, stressing that consumer interests must be protected at all levels.
The review meeting, attended by senior officials and representatives of oil marketing companies, assessed the stock position and distribution network across districts.
According to data presented during the meeting, the overall fuel situation remains stable, with petrol stocks sufficient for about 9–10 days, diesel for 16–17 days and LPG for 12–13 days, including transit supplies.
Despite the comfortable stock position, officials said the administration is focusing on preemptive enforcement to prevent artificial shortages or price manipulation.
The Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners to submit detailed district-wise reports on supply and distribution, noting that while the overall situation is satisfactory, delivery mechanisms must remain efficient and transparent.
He emphasised that LPG supplies should reach all eligible domestic and commercial consumers without delay, with priority given to genuine beneficiaries.
Officials informed the meeting that 100 percent domestic LPG demand is currently being met across Jammu and Kashmir, with no major disruptions reported.
Supply coverage stands at around 24 days in urban areas and 35 days in rural areas, supported by OTP-based delivery systems aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.
Supply Position & Action Status in J&K
• Govt orders strict action against hoarding, black marketing, overcharging
• 1,418 inspections/raids conducted between March 17–23
• Over 1,000 public grievances resolved
• Petrol stock: 9–10 days
• Diesel stock: 16–17 days
• LPG stock: 12–13 days (including transit)
• 100% domestic LPG demand being met
• Supply coverage:
– 24 days (urban)
– 35 days (rural)
• OTP-based LPG delivery system in place for transparency
• Nearly 20 lakh LPG consumers e-KYC verified
• 2 litres kerosene/month provided to AAY families
• Gas pipeline work ongoing in Kathua, Samba, Jammu
– Expected to be operational in 2–3 months
• Govt directs strict district-level monitoring & daily reporting
Highlighting enforcement measures, officials said that 1,418 inspections and raids were conducted across districts between March 17 and 23, leading to action against violators and seizure of commodities in several cases.
In addition, more than 1,000 public grievances were addressed during the same period, indicating what officials described as an active monitoring and redressal mechanism.
The Chief Secretary also directed oil marketing companies to maintain adequate stock levels at retail outlets, dealer points and buffer depots to avoid any disruption in supply.
He called for close coordination between departments and instructed officials to remain accessible to the public for prompt resolution of complaints.
On infrastructure development, Dulloo asked authorities to remove bottlenecks in land acquisition and expedite work on the under-construction gas pipeline project.
Officials said 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.
Urban Local Bodies have been directed to prioritise domestic gas connections once the trunk pipeline becomes functional in these districts.
The meeting was also informed that nearly 20 lakh LPG consumers have been verified through large-scale e-KYC drives, aimed at preventing duplication and misuse of connections.
As part of welfare measures, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries are being provided two litres of kerosene per month through Aadhaar-seeded ration cards under the RCMS system.
Officials said a real-time monitoring mechanism, including daily reporting of stock positions and district-level oversight, has been put in place to ensure fair and transparent distribution of petroleum products.
The developments come as governments across the country remain on alert over the impact of global supply disruptions, with Jammu and Kashmir stepping up enforcement and monitoring to maintain stability in fuel availability. [KNT]
