SRINAGAR, Mar 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position of essential commodities and petroleum products in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the upcoming festivals of Eid and Navratras and the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the availability and supply position of petroleum products, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other essential commodities across Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing the officers, the Chief Minister emphasized that the administration must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure that no artificial scarcity, hoarding or black marketing is allowed to take place in any district.
“I think the administration as a whole is well aware of the situation and also on top of things. I would just like to reiterate that while the Food and Supplies Department does its work, this must be complemented and supplemented in the districts,” the Chief Minister said.
He directed all Deputy Commissioners to maintain strict oversight at the district level to ensure smooth supply and fair distribution of essential commodities.
“Ensuring that there is no hoarding, artificial scarcity or black market conditions created will require strong oversight at the district level. Since all districts and Deputy Commissioners are connected to this meeting, please take these instructions on board,” he said.
The Chief Minister further stressed that the administration must remain alert as the duration of the current crisis remains uncertain.
“We don’t know how long this will last. It could last a couple of days, it could last a few weeks. Let us assume it may last longer than we are comfortable with. Therefore, the alert that we are on must continue to ensure that no artificial scarcity or black marketing situations are created,” he said.
He also directed the Information Department to keep the public regularly informed about the stock position and supply of essential commodities to prevent rumours and panic buying.
“Ensure that the Information Department keeps people informed on a regular basis so that we keep reassuring people about our strong position and the available supplies. By detailing the steps taken and the stock position, we can ensure that elements trying to misuse the situation are not able to do so,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister also directed the administration to maintain constant vigil over the availability of commercial LPG, particularly in view of the ongoing Navratras, the upcoming Eid and the beginning of the tourist season. He called for taking inputs from stakeholders such as restaurateurs and hoteliers before any rationalization of commercial LPG supply is undertaken in view of tourist inflow expected and festive seasons ahead.
The post CM Omar Reviews Stock Position Of LPG, Petrol And Essential Commodities Amid Middle-East Crisis appeared first on Daily Excelsior.