New Delhi, June 12

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified the ‘Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026’ to curb black marketing and hoarding of diesel by unscrupulous elements.

An official spokesman in a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau issued here said that these regulations are temporary measures, initially valid for up to 90 days, ensuring diesel availability to all retail consumers.

The current situation is one of uneven extraordinary demand growth in some retail outlets due to shifting of bulk diesel volume to PSU Oil Marketing Retail Outlets.

This is driven by industrial and direct or institutional and commercial consumers who have been shifting their procurement from their dedicated consumer pumps to retail outlets due to the difference between bulk and retail diesel prices.

The other reason is that private Oil Marketing companies’ sales exhibited a decline of around 58 percent in HSD sales during May 2026 due to higher prices fixed by them.

The data for May 2026, as compared to the corresponding period last year, reveals a significant surge in diesel sales through PSU OMCs retail outlets wherein 327 districts recorded more than 10 percent growth, with 80 districts seeing a growth exceeding 30 percent.

The new regulatory measures are specifically designed to protect retail consumers from inconvenience caused by intermittent supply issues at retail outlets.

These measures will not affect citizens in any way, given the fact that for the average person driving a car or riding a two-wheeler, the 200-litre cap is far beyond what any private vehicle would need.

The measures are aimed at large and bulk consumers who should not be procuring diesel from retail outlets to take undue advantage of the price arbitrage.

Blatant instances of procurement of large quantities of diesel in jerry cans, and its resale have come to the notice of the government.

This order will enable strict action against such buyers/operators, dealers and officers who are involved in this black marketing and hoarding of diesel.

Prohibiting diversion of fuel from retail outlets to bulk consumers essentially means more supply stays in the system for the retail customers.

To protect retail consumers during the ongoing West Asia disruption, PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are currently absorbing losses of around Rs 500 crore per day on the sale of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG.

This graduated price support is intended to protect retail consumers and ensure affordability of fuel for households, farmers and other end-users.

This support is not meant for industrial and bulk supplies, where pricing continues to track international market prices, resulting in retail diesel being around Rs 40 per litre cheaper than bulk diesel.

The diversion of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) by bulk consumers has led to localised supply issues and potential disruptions for bona fide retail customers and essential services.

Pursuant to this order, now the Central Government have issued directions to Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to ensure the following:

Retail outlets will dispense diesel only into vehicle tanks or PESO-approved containers, with a maximum limit of 200 litres per day per customer and vehicle.

Diesel purchased at retail outlets cannot be resold.

Industrial and direct or Institutional and commercial customers are prohibited from procuring fuel from retail outlets and must source their requirements through consumer pumps.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Retail Outlet Dealers will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the prescribed restrictions and preventing any attempts to circumvent the provisions of the Order.

State governments and Union Territory administrations have been directed to take necessary actions against any malpractices, such as black marketing or unauthorised diversion, to ensure the interests of the common man are protected

Violations of the Order will be subject to penalties and other legal action as provided under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and applicable laws.

The ‘Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026’ is explicitly defined as a temporary measure designed to address specific, current market challenges.

This is not a rationing measure, and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the country. Notably, India remains the world’s 4th largest refiner and 5th largest exporter of refined petroleum products.

The government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies, protecting consumer interest and maintaining energy security through timely and proactive measures.

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New Delhi, June 11

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the restoration of statehood to the federally administered territory and sought continued central support for economic development, infrastructure expansion and tourism promotion.

During a meeting in New Delhi, Abdullah said restoring statehood would strengthen democratic institutions and public participation while supporting the region’s next phase of development, according to officials.

Abdullah also raised issues related to economic growth, connectivity and employment generation, including fuller utilisation of Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower potential, additional rail services ahead of the apple harvesting season and support for tourism, agriculture and small businesses.

In a post on social media platform X after the meeting, Abdullah said he discussed “early return of statehood, the state of the economy, pace of development and promotion of tourism” with Modi.

The meeting comes amid persistent demands by Abdullah’s National Conference-led government for the restoration of statehood nearly seven years after Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two federally administered territories in 2019.

The federal government has repeatedly said statehood would be restored at an appropriate stage following the completion of political and administrative processes.

Separately, Abdullah met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to seek measures aimed at improving connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

Abdullah proposed allowing civilian flights to operate from the Indian Air Force airfield at Awantipora in south Kashmir if Srinagar airport is closed from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15 for runway repairs.

Officials said the federal government would explore options to minimise disruption to air travel during the peak autumn tourism season.

The chief minister also requested additional rail services to the Valley and sought a stop for the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag in south Kashmir.

A day earlier, addressing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Modi, Abdullah sought greater federal investment and institutional support for Jammu and Kashmir.

He urged the Centre to extend benefits available to India’s hill states under the “Pride of Hills” initiative to Jammu and Kashmir and called for a long-term hydropower partnership to harness the region’s estimated 14,867 megawatts of hydropower potential.

Abdullah also sought support for new tourism infrastructure, expansion of rail services, promotion of agricultural and handicraft sectors and the establishment of government medical colleges in districts that currently lack them.

He said Jammu and Kashmir recorded 23.6 million tourist arrivals in 2024 and highlighted government programmes aimed at entrepreneurship, agriculture and skill development as key drivers of economic growth.

“Jammu and Kashmir seeks partnership and convergence to transform its resilience, resources and human potential into a stronger contribution to national growth and development,” Abdullah said.

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New Delhi, June 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India was continuing on its growth trajectory despite global uncertainty and instability, as he called for closer cooperation between the federal and state governments to achieve the country’s long-term development goals.

Chairing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Modi said India remained confident and determined in pursuing its vision of becoming a developed nation under the Viksit Bharat programme.

“The world is passing through a period of uncertainty and instability, yet India continues to move forward on its growth trajectory with confidence and determination,” Modi said, according to NITI Aayog.

The prime minister said free trade agreements signed with several countries were creating new opportunities for economic growth and exports, while also opening global markets for India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said Indian businesses should use the agreements to improve competitiveness and align with international standards.

Modi described India’s demographic dividend as a historic opportunity and stressed the need to invest in quality education, skills development and employment generation for young people.

“Empowered youth will be the driving force behind our journey towards Viksit Bharat,” he said.

The prime minister also called for greater cooperation and dialogue among states, saying NITI Aayog could serve as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices to support national development objectives.

Highlighting the role of women in economic growth, Modi said women-led development remained central to the government’s vision for a developed India.

“From farming and startups to science and innovation, Nari Shakti is contributing across the domains,” he said, urging states to prioritise women’s education, skills development, safety and empowerment.

Modi said the combined efforts of the Centre and states, guided by the principle of cooperative federalism, would be crucial to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.

“The collective efforts of the Centre and States will play a pivotal role in realising our shared vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

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Srinagar, June 10

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting interdisciplinary education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship through long-term institutional collaboration.

The agreement brings together two Institutes of National Importance under the Ministry of Education and seeks to advance the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 while contributing to the educational and socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of IIM Jammu Director Professor B S Sahay and senior officials from both institutions.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on academic and research initiatives, consultancy projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, executive education, management development programmes, collaborative publications, case study development, and entrepreneurship-related activities.

The partnership will also focus on innovation and incubation support, faculty development programmes, boot camps, immersion programmes and sharing of academic infrastructure and institutional resources.

Officials said a key objective of the collaboration is to strengthen the innovation and startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by combining IIM Jammu’s expertise in management, entrepreneurship and leadership development with NIT Srinagar’s strengths in engineering, technology and applied sciences.

The institutions also plan to explore interdisciplinary learning pathways, collaborative degree programmes and future academic offerings in line with the National Education Policy.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor B S Sahay said the partnership reflected the shared commitment of both institutions to creating academic and societal impact through collaboration.

“The convergence of management and technology is essential for addressing contemporary challenges and nurturing future-ready leaders,” he said.

Sahay said the agreement would help promote innovation, entrepreneurship, research excellence and capacity building while contributing to the emergence of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as knowledge and innovation hubs.

NIT Srinagar Director Professor Binod Kumar Kanhujia said the partnership would create new opportunities for students, researchers and faculty members while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

“This collaboration will strengthen research capabilities, promote entrepreneurship and contribute significantly to the development of a vibrant knowledge and innovation ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” he said.

Prof Roohie Naaz Mir, In-charge Director and Dean of Research and Consultancy at NIT Srinagar, described the agreement as the beginning of a transformative partnership between the two institutions.

She said the collaboration would create opportunities for interdisciplinary research, technology-driven innovation, industry engagement and academic enrichment, while helping develop solutions to emerging societal and industrial challenges.

Officials said the institutions also plan to organise joint conferences, seminars, workshops, training programmes and executive education initiatives for professionals, government departments, public sector organisations and industry stakeholders.

The collaboration is expected to support innovation-driven growth and strengthen the region’s academic, research and entrepreneurial landscape, they said.

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New Delhi, June 7

The price of domestic cooking gas LPG has been increased by Rs 29 per cylinder, the second hike in three months, as state-owned fuel retailers continue to face pressure from elevated global energy costs, industry sources said.

The price of a standard 14.2-kg LPG cylinder in Delhi will rise to Rs 942 from Rs 913 with effect from June 7, the sources said.

The latest increase follows a Rs 60-per-cylinder hike on March 7, when disruptions to global energy supplies linked to the conflict in West Asia pushed up international fuel prices.

Industry sources said the March increase had only partially compensated oil marketing companies for losses on domestic LPG sales. Before the latest revision, state-run fuel retailers were estimated to be losing about Rs 703 on every LPG cylinder sold, they said.

The LPG price increase comes amid a broader rise in fuel prices across the country.

Petrol and diesel prices have been raised by a cumulative Rs 7.50 per litre since mid-May, while compressed natural gas (CNG) prices have increased by around Rs 6 per kg.

Despite the recent revisions, oil marketing companies continue to sell petrol and diesel below cost, incurring estimated losses of about Rs 11 per litre on petrol and Rs 33.6 per litre on diesel, according to industry sources.

The government has so far refrained from fully passing on higher international energy costs to consumers, with state-owned fuel retailers absorbing part of the burden as global crude oil and fuel markets remain volatile.

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Srinagar, June 7

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) maintained strong freight operations in May, unloading 1034 freight rakes across its network as it began the 2026-27 financial year, according to an official statement.

The railway zone handled the transportation of a range of essential and industrial commodities during the month, including food grains, food-grade items, fertilisers, sugar, coal, salt, petroleum products and other goods, ensuring timely supply across the region.

According to the statement, Assam accounted for the highest share of freight unloading with 557 rakes, comprising 271 rakes carrying essential commodities and 286 rakes carrying non-essential goods.

The railway said the freight movement played a key role in supporting public distribution systems, industrial activities and consumer demand across the state.

Among other northeastern states, Tripura recorded the unloading of 74 rakes, followed by Nagaland with 34, Manipur with 20, Arunachal Pradesh with 10, Mizoram with eight and Meghalaya with one rake.

Outside the Northeast, West Bengal recorded the unloading of 196 freight rakes, while Bihar accounted for 134 rakes carrying both essential and industrial commodities.

NFR said the movement of essential commodities and industrial goods remained critical for meeting public requirements and supporting economic activity across the region.

The railway attributed the performance to close monitoring and coordinated efforts by field units, which helped improve turnaround times and unloading efficiency.

The freight operations underscore the role of NFR in strengthening supply chains, enhancing trade connectivity and supporting socio-economic development across the Northeast and adjoining regions, the statement said.

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Srinagar, June 6

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Friday inaugurated a mega job fair in Kulgam district aimed at promoting employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

The event, held at Malvan and organised by the district administration under Mission YUVA, brought together companies from various sectors, offering local youth an opportunity to interact with employers, explore career options and apply for jobs.

Addressing the gathering, Itoo underscored the importance of creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people and reiterated the government’s commitment to youth welfare, skill development and economic empowerment.

She urged young people to make full use of opportunities available under various government schemes and programmes designed to enhance employability and encourage entrepreneurship.

The minister also interacted with representatives of participating companies, officials and job seekers, and praised the efforts of the Kulgam district administration in linking local youth with prospective employers.

Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Shahzad Alam said the initiative was aimed at expanding employment opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the district.

The job fair was organised as part of ongoing efforts under Mission YUVA to promote self-employment, skill development and private-sector engagement among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Srinagar, June 5

Representatives of Kashmir’s Pashmina industry have urged authorities to strengthen international branding and export promotion efforts for the region’s renowned hand-crafted textile, saying greater recognition could help preserve the centuries-old craft while supporting thousands of artisan families.

A delegation from the PEMA Foundation raised the issue during a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan, where members discussed artisan welfare, export promotion and measures to enhance the global profile of Kashmir Pashmina.

The delegation proposed a series of initiatives, including a women-focused artisan awards programme and recognition of handmade Kashmir Pashmina as a premium Indian luxury product.

Foundation representatives said women constituted the backbone of the industry and played a critical role in spinning, weaving, embroidery and other specialised processes associated with the production of authentic Pashmina.

As part of efforts to recognise their contribution, the organisation proposed holding the Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 during September and October exclusively for women artisans.

The awards programme, launched in previous years with support from the administration, has become an important platform for recognising excellence and encouraging younger generations to remain connected with traditional crafts, the delegation said.

Industry representatives noted that the Pashmina sector remains one of Kashmir’s most recognisable cultural and economic assets, with products exported to markets around the world.

However, they argued that stronger branding and institutional support would be necessary to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly crowded luxury textile market.

The delegation urged the administration to take up with the central government a proposal to recognise handmade Kashmir Pashmina as a “Luxury Product of India” under national export promotion programmes.

Such recognition, members said, would help position genuine Kashmir Pashmina alongside other internationally recognised luxury products and create new market opportunities for artisans and exporters.

The foundation also welcomed government efforts to strengthen the Geographical Indication (GI) Pashmina Labelling Initiative, which has been introduced to protect consumers and prevent imitation products from entering the market.

The GI certification programme aims to ensure authenticity by verifying that products marketed as Kashmir Pashmina are produced according to prescribed standards.

Delegation members said the initiative had improved credibility in domestic and international markets but argued that exporters would benefit from a dedicated facilitation mechanism to speed up testing, certification and shipment processes.

The representatives also praised recent development initiatives undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir and expressed support for ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse through awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes.

According to participants, Sinha listened to the concerns and proposals raised during the meeting and assured the delegation that the administration would continue supporting programmes aimed at artisan welfare, preservation of traditional crafts and promotion of exports.

The Pashmina industry remains a major source of livelihood for thousands of households in Kashmir, where generations of artisans have been engaged in producing shawls and garments using fine wool sourced from Himalayan regions.

Industry stakeholders say maintaining authenticity, strengthening branding and expanding export opportunities will be critical for sustaining the sector and ensuring its long-term growth in international markets.

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Srinagar, June 4

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government was building a robust ecosystem to promote youth entrepreneurship through Mission YUVA, aimed at transforming young people from job seekers into job creators.

At a function held at the civil secretariat in Srinagar, CM Omar handed over loan disbursal letters worth Rs 1.12 crore to six beneficiaries under the scheme and reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth through entrepreneurship.

He said Mission YUVA had been designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with access to credit, skill development, mentorship and structured support, helping bridge the gap between business ideas and implementation.

The CM said the initiative sought to improve coordination among banks, government departments and training institutions while simplifying access to institutional finance.

He said sustained investment in youth empowerment would help unlock the potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s young population, particularly in sectors such as services, tourism, agriculture-based enterprises and small-scale manufacturing.

CM Omar described inclusive economic growth as a key priority of the government and said programmes such as Mission YUVA were essential for achieving long-term self-reliance and generating employment opportunities across the region.

Congratulating the beneficiaries, he expressed hope that the financial assistance would help them establish and expand sustainable enterprises while creating additional employment opportunities.

Officials at the event said Rs 209 crore had been disbursed under Mission YUVA in 3367 cases during April and May.

Of the 5016 cases sanctioned under the programme, involving financial assistance of Rs 269 crore, disbursals worth Rs 209 crore were made between April 1 and May 31.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary,

Adviser to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior government officials, along with representatives of J&K Bank and the Indian Institute of Management Jammu.

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Srinagar, June 4

As a major initiative to strengthen Kashmir’s traditional carpet weaving sector and enhance artisans’ skills, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir, through its state-of-the-art Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), has launched a skill upgradation training programme under the Ministry of Textiles-sponsored SAMARTH Scheme.

SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) is a flagship Ministry of Textiles initiative aimed at providing demand-driven and industry-oriented training to improve employability and promote sustainable livelihoods in the handicrafts sector. The programme is aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), ensuring nationally recognised training and certification standards.

In a statement issued here Thursday, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts 7 Handloom Department stated that under the programme, 180 women beneficiaries from eight districts of Kashmir are scheduled to receive training in Silk Carpet Weaving on Modern Steel Carpet Looms over a period of two months.

“Twenty trainees have been enrolled from 8 districts, while Srinagar, a major carpet weaving hub, will accommodate 40 trainees,” the spokesperson said.

Speaking on the occasion, Zubair Ahmad, Director, IICT, said that trainees maintaining at least 80 percent attendance will be eligible for a stipend of Rs 5,000 per course, providing both skill enhancement as well as financial support. “The experienced Master Trainers engaged to impart specialised training under the programme will receive an honorarium of ₹20,000 per month, with a total training facilitation cost of approximately ₹3.60 lakh,” he said.

Highlighting the scheme’s robust monitoring framework, Director IICT further stated that the programme will undergo third-party audit and verification by auditors appointed by the Ministry of Textiles to assess compliance, training quality, attendance records and implementation outcomes.

“To ensure transparency and effective monitoring, the programme incorporates an Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system,” he said.

Department of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir continues to undertake focused interventions for the revival, preservation and promotion of the world-renowned Kashmir Carpet Craft.

Through modernisation of weaving infrastructure, skill upgradation, artisan welfare initiatives, market linkages, GI protection and capacity-building programmes such as SAMARTH, the Department remains committed to safeguarding this centuries-old heritage craft while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for women artisans across the Valley.

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