CM Omar Abdullah Rallies Administration: Declares War on Hoarding, Black Marketing Amidst Middle-East Crisis and Festive Season

Chief Minister Directs “Strict Vigil” on Essential Commodities and Petroleum Products; Seeks Regular Public Information to Combat Panic Buying for Eid, Navratras

• Chief Minister Omar Abdullahchaired a high-level meeting to review stock positions of LPG, petrol, and essential commodities, directing “strict oversight” against hoarding and black marketing across all districts amid the Middle-East crisis and upcoming Eid and Navratras festivals.
• CM Abdullahemphasized that the administration must remain “vigilant and proactive” due to the uncertain duration of the crisis, ordering the Information Department to regularly update the public on stock positions to prevent rumors and panic buying.
• Despite global disruptions, Commissioner Secretary Saurabh Bhagatconfirmed stable petroleum and LPG reserves, with measures like Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) and e-KYC implemented, and a temporary 20 percent cap on non-domestic LPG supply, while ensuring essential services.

Srinagar, March 16, 2026: In a decisive move to pre-empt any potential disruption, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar, taking stock of essential commodities and petroleum products across Jammu and Kashmir. The critical review comes amidst the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia and in anticipation of the upcoming festivals of Eid and Navratras, with the Chief Minister issuing stern directives for “strict vigil” against hoarding and black marketing.

Addressing a large gathering of officials, including Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary Information, heads of departments, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, Director Information, Executive Director Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Ashutosh Gupta, and representatives of oil companies (some attending online), CM Abdullah emphasized the administration’s need to remain “vigilant and proactive.” His core instruction was clear: “ensure that no artificial scarcity, hoarding or black marketing is allowed to take place in any district.”

Chief Minister Abdullah stressed the uncertain duration of the current Middle-East crisis. “We don’t know how long this will last. It could last a couple of days, it could last a few weeks. Let us assume it may last longer than we are comfortable with,” he stated, urging sustained alertness. He specifically directed all Deputy Commissioners to maintain “strong oversight at the district level” for smooth supply and fair distribution. “Ensuring that there is no hoarding, artificial scarcity or black market conditions created will require strong oversight at the district level,” he reiterated.

A crucial directive was also issued to the Information Department: “keep the public regularly informed about the stock position and supply of essential commodities to prevent rumours and panic buying.” CM Abdullah highlighted that by “detailing the steps taken and the stock position, we can ensure that elements trying to misuse the situation are not able to do so.” The Chief Minister also called for constant vigil over the availability of commercial LPG, especially given the upcoming festivals and the start of the tourist season, and advised taking inputs from stakeholders like restaurateurs and hoteliers before any rationalization of commercial LPG supply.

Earlier in the meeting, Minister Satish Sharma, holding the portfolio of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, warned against unscrupulous elements attempting to exploit the situation, assuring strict action against them. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed that Deputy Commissioners must ensure no violations such as black marketing, hoarding, or profiteering occur, directing full support to the Legal Metrology and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs departments for effective monitoring.

Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat provided a detailed presentation, confirming that despite global disruptions, the stock position of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir remains stable. The meeting was informed that adequate reserves of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available across storage facilities and distributorships. Regulatory measures implemented include the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system for genuine LPG cylinder delivery and an e-KYC campaign to verify customer authenticity. For non-domestic LPG supplies, a temporary cap of 20 percent of average monthly consumption has been placed, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions like hospitals and educational establishments. The Government of India has also provided an ad-hoc allocation of 468 kilolitres of PDS Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for cooking and lighting, primarily for vulnerable groups including Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.

The high-level gathering underscores the government’s proactive efforts to safeguard citizens against potential economic disruptions and maintain stability during sensitive times.