CS reviews petroleum supply challenges in remote J&K areas

Jammu, Aug 28: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the availability and distribution of petroleum products in the remote and far-flung areas of Jammu & Kashmir.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 emphasised the need to streamline the fuel supply chain to ensure timely delivery to remote areas. He stressed 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, to address the challenges of reaching areas that are difficult to access due to harsh weather or geographical limitations.The Chief Secretary also asked the officers to launch a public awareness campaign to ensure residents are well-informed about fuel availability, distribution schedules and emergency requirements. He further directed the officers to engage with oil marketing companies to explore opportunities for enhancing storage capacities and expanding infrastructure at strategic locations.Taking stock of disruptions in transportation due to adverse weather, the Chief Secretary directed the officers to allow the vehicles carrying essential supplies on a priority basis to prevent any delays in the supply chain. The CS called the representatives of oil companies to take immediate steps for ensuring a 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 the Kashmir Valley.