Chandigarh, March 28 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reassured the public on Saturday that there is no need for panic buying of fuel, emphasizing that adequate stock is available.
"We have sufficient oil stocks, just as we did until recently. Our domestic LPG supply is also ample. I urge people not to listen to rumors. We are meeting the demands," Mann told the media here.
"I want to assure the people of Punjab that they should not engage in panic buying of fuel. Storing large quantities of fuel at home can be dangerous, and I advise against taking such risks," the chief minister advised.
Reassuring the public, Mann said, "There is currently a stock of 12-14 days of petrol and diesel and six days of LPG in the state, which is usually the same throughout the year."
He welcomed the Centre's move to slash excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and to exempt diesel fully from the duty.
However, Mann said that they have urged the Centre to ensure enhanced and uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and DAP (diammonium phosphate) fertiliser as Punjab gears up for a bumper wheat harvest.
On Friday, Mann participated in a virtual meeting of chief ministers and lieutenant governors, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
"During the virtual meeting, I flagged all key issues pertaining to Punjab. I urged the prime minister to proactively use diplomatic channels so that the country does not face any shortages," he said.
During the meeting, Mann highlighted the wheat procurement season, which begins on April 1, and was assured that adequate fuel stock would be available to facilitate the process.
"For the public distribution system, we have to purchase the crop for the national pool, and we said there should be no shortage of fuel for the smooth movement of the crop," he said.
He noted that a large number of tractors, trolleys, harvesters, and trucks will be used during harvesting, highlighting the need for enhanced fuel supply in the larger public interest.
To ensure smooth harvesting and ferrying of the crop, a regular supply of petrol and diesel is needed, he said.
Regarding the minimum waiting period for rebooking domestic LPG cylinders in rural areas, which is currently set at 45 days, Mann urged the Centre to reduce this period to match the 25 days observed in urban areas.
He also requested that the Centre immediately lift old wheat stocks from warehouses to make space for the new harvest, which can be used in the current challenging circumstances stemming from the conflict in West Asia.
Mann mentioned that Punjab currently has an inventory of 41 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and anticipates receiving a bumper crop of 130 lakh metric tonnes during the procurement period starting April 1. This would bring the total to 171 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, in addition to 139 lakh metric tonnes of rice stored in godowns.
Mann said that lifting the old stock and expediting the collection of new wheat arrivals can be highly beneficial during these times.
Punjab will uphold its glorious tradition to support the nation in this hour of need, he said.
"The Centre can utilise this under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana or through the Public Distribution System. We are ready to open this stock, which can be lifted by deploying special trains. This will also help clear our godowns so that we do not face any difficulty in procurement," the chief minister stated.
Meanwhile, Mann dismissed rumours of an impending lockdown as unfounded, reiterating that there is no need for panic buying of essential items, including fuel.
To provide accurate information and prevent panic among the public, a nodal officer has been appointed, he informed, adding that his government has held meetings with oil marketing companies and is coordinating with them.
The Punjab government is committed to ensuring that both agriculture and industry do not face any interruptions. A helpline number, 0172-3321001, has been launched for issues related to LPG, petrol, and diesel, the chief minister informed.
"Special teams have been formed to check black marketing and those trying to hoard or indulge in any illegal activity. Our teams are working in this regard, and till March 27, as many as 1,497 checkings were conducted, and 301 LPG cylinders were seized," Mann said.