JAMMU: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the availability and distribution of petroleum products in the remote and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Saurabh Bhagat; Deputy Commissioners of Ramban, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar; Controller of Legal Metrology; Directors of FCS&CA (Kashmir/Jammu); Director Finance FCS&CA; Special Secretary FCS&CA; SSP Traffic; State Level Coordinator for Oil Companies; and representatives from Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum.
The review focused on overcoming geographical barriers, tough terrain and logistical challenges to ensure uninterrupted and timely fuel supply to remote regions.
The Chief Secretary emphasized streamlining the fuel supply chain through better inter-departmental coordination. He also highlighted the need to strengthen distribution networks, explore additional supply points in high-demand areas and consider innovative solutions such as mobile fuel supply units for regions inaccessible due to harsh weather or terrain.
He further directed officials to:
- Launch a public awareness campaign to inform residents about fuel availability, distribution schedules and emergency requirements.
- Engage oil companies to enhance storage capacities and expand infrastructure at strategic locations.
- Prioritize the movement of vehicles carrying essential supplies during adverse weather.
- Ensure timely clearance of railway racks carrying petroleum products from Punjab to Jammu.
The Chief Secretary also instructed oil companies to maintain adequate reserves: 15 days’ stock at Jammu depots, 10 days at retail outlets across the region, and 20 days’ stock at depots and 15 days at outlets in the Kashmir valley.
Deputy Commissioners of Ramban, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar were tasked to closely monitor stock availability in their respective districts, while the DC Kathua was asked to ensure smooth movement of stranded vehicles carrying essential supplies.
During the meeting, the State Level Coordinator informed that the upcoming Common Utility Facility (CUF) at Bajalta, with a storage capacity of 1 lakh kilolitres, is expected to become operational by December 2025.
