Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 1

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed the availability of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir, directing officials to ensure uninterrupted supplies of petroleum products, LPG and other critical items ahead of the upcoming peak tourism and pilgrimage season.

The review meeting assessed stock positions across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions and was attended by senior administrative officials, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and representatives of oil marketing companies, officials said.

Dulloo stressed the need to maintain continuous supply chains for essential goods, including fuel, cooking gas and fertilisers, and directed strict monitoring to prevent diversion of domestic LPG for commercial use.

He also called for completion of the e-KYC process for beneficiaries to ensure uninterrupted subsidy transfers, and asked district administrations to run awareness campaigns to encourage registration.

Officials were instructed to regularly assess stock availability in hospitals, residential institutions and other critical establishments, as well as ensure adequate supplies for migratory labourers at project sites.

The Chief Secretary also emphasised timely payments to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to support economic activity, officials said.

Agriculture Production Department officials briefed the meeting on fertiliser availability and distribution, and urged promotion of the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” initiative aimed at reducing excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilisers and encouraging balanced nutrient application and organic farming practices.

The department also flagged concerns over spurious agricultural inputs and sought stronger enforcement to curb their sale.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department said prices of 40 essential commodities remained largely stable across districts, with only marginal variations, while enforcement actions were being taken against profiteering and overcharging.

Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu informed the meeting that stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, kerosene and aviation turbine fuel were adequate, with additional supplies in transit to ensure continuity.

Officials said commercial LPG supply to hotels and industrial units remained stable, with coordination ongoing with oil marketing companies to prevent disruptions.

The administration also confirmed adequate LPG availability at key tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Srinagar, as well as preparations for increased demand during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Dulloo directed departments and district administrations to maintain close coordination with distributors and oil companies to ensure smooth supply during the peak season, warning against any lapses that could affect consumers, tourists or pilgrims.