Srinagar, Mar 16 (JKNS): Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma on Monday said the government has decided to reintroduce kerosene supply in Jammu and Kashmir, announcing that around 2.5 litres to AAY category will be provided to each family to support households amid the ongoing geopolitical situation.
In a video message, as per news agency JKNS, Sharma said, “The current geopolitical crisis is affecting not only the world but also Jammu and Kashmir. The government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that people do not face any shortage of essential commodities.”
He cautioned traders and distributors against taking advantage of the situation, stating, “Those involved in black-marketing, hoarding or creating artificial scarcity whether LPG distributors, petrol pump owners or essential commodity dealers will be blacklisted and strict action will be taken against them.”
The minister said the department is reviewing the situation on an hourly basis and teams have been deployed across districts to keep a close watch on supply and pricing.
“On an hourly basis, I am personally monitoring the situation. Around 20 teams of the Legal Metrology and Food & Civil Supplies departments are working day and night to ensure there is no malpractice,” he said.
Sharma said the government has also taken steps to strengthen domestic supply and has written to the Government of India seeking enhancement in LPG allocation to meet rising demand during the tourism season and the ongoing.
He added that kerosene supply has also been reintroduced despite Jammu and Kashmir earlier being declared a kerosene-free region.
“We were a kerosene-free region, but in view of the current situation we have decided to provide about 2.5 litres of kerosene per AAY family to support households,” he said.
Appealing to people to avoid panic buying, the minister said, “I request people not to indulge in panic buying. Some mischievous elements try to create unnecessary fear, but the government has adequate arrangements and monitoring mechanisms in place.”
He added that the administration is fully prepared to deal with any crisis situation and assured that all departments are working in coordination to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities. (JKNS)
