In an effort to prevent the unauthorized hoarding of petroleum products, District Magistrate Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, formed special district-level teams that conducted surprise inspections at LPG dealer points, storage facilities, and petrol pumps across the district.
This action was initiated following complaints and public concern regarding an alleged shortage of petroleum products. Authorities also took note of rumors suggesting that some individuals were illegally storing LPG cylinders and other essential items to create artificial scarcity.
During the inspections, the teams examined stock registers, storage facilities, and distribution records at various outlets to ensure that petroleum products were being supplied according to prescribed norms and that no hoarding or black marketing was taking place.
The district administration has warned dealers and traders against engaging in illegal hoarding or black marketing of essential commodities, stating that strict action will be taken against violators.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik said that divisional-level teams have also been formed to curb black marketing and ensure the uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to the general public.
The administration has appealed to residents not to panic or spread rumors, assuring that adequate supplies of petroleum products are available in the district.