: In preparation for the upcoming winter season, the Ministry for Petroleum & Natural Gas has emphasised immediate measures to strengthen LPG supply and distribution infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

This was revealed during a review meeting convened today by Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Saurabh Bhagat, with the Union Joint Secretary MoPNG and representatives from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL. The meeting assessed the current supply chain and preparedness for the winter months.

 Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Controller Legal Metrology Department J&K and others officials from FCS&CA attended the meeting.

 The meeting was informed that sufficient stocks of MS, HSD, and LPG are available in the UT, with further augmentation underway to ensure adequate supplies.

Key decisions included augmenting LPG buffer stocks, intensifying bottling plant operations and positioning adequate reserves ahead of anticipated snowfall. With 3,000 metric tonnes currently in transit, proactive stockpiling is underway to mitigate potential supply disruptions during severe weather, the meeting was informed.

The meeting was further apprised that infrastructure expansion remains a priority with 21 new LPG retail outlets being planned across the Union Territory, including seven in Doda district. Besides, BPCL's Customer Filling Unit at Jammu, which faced earlier delays, is now on track for completion within the current financial year significantly enhancing regional bottling capacity.

All oil marketing companies have been directed to maintain strict 48-72 hour delivery timelines and prepare a coordinated action plan for seamless supply chain management. Administrative authorities have been asked to expedite pending NOC approvals for new retail outlets, accelerating infrastructure development.

"Ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply to every household in J&K, especially during harsh winter conditions, is our topmost priority. These measures will strengthen the supply network and improve service delivery across the region," stated the officials at the meeting.