CS reviews availability, distribution of petroleum products in far-flung areas

Jammu, Aug 28: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to review the availability and distribution of petroleum products in the remote and far-flung areas of Jammu & Kashmir.

As per an official press release. the meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, Deputy Commissioners of Ramban, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Controller of Legal Metrology, Director FCS&CA Kashmir/ Jammu, Director Finance FCS&CA, Special Secretary FCS&CA, SSP Traffic, State Level Coordinator for Oil companies, representatives from Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum.

The meeting focused on addressing the challenges posed by geographical barriers, difficult terrain, and logistical difficulties in ensuring the timely and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir.

During this meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized on the need to streamline the fuel supply chain to ensure timely delivery to remote areas. He stressed on the importance of inter-departmental coordination to create a more efficient delivery system capable of meeting the demands of far-flung areas.

While reviewing logistics and infrastructure improvements, the Chief Secretary stressed on strengthening fuel distribution networks, including the possibility of establishing additional supply points in regions with high demand for petroleum products. He also called upon the officers to explore alternative solutions for remote areas like introducing mobile fuel supply units. Taking stock of disruptions in transportation due to adverse weather, the Chief Secretary directed the officers to allow the vehicles carrying essential supplies on priority basis to prevent any delays in the supply chain. He also asked the officers to prioritise the transportation of railway racks carrying petroleum products coming from Punjab to Jammu to ensure timely delivery to remote areas.

The Chief Secretary further called the representatives of Oil companies to take immediate steps for ensuring minimum of 15 days stock is maintained at oil depots in Jammu, while 10 days stock is made available at retail outlets across the region. He asked them to maintain 20 days stock at depot levels and 15 days stock at retail outlets in Kashmir valley.