J&K Government Guarantees Stable Supply of Essential Commodities; Minister Warns Against Hoarding
SRINAGAR, MARCH 16, 2026 — Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, has assured the residents of Jammu and Kashmir that the government is working on a “war footing” to maintain an uninterrupted supply of essential goods despite global supply chain disruptions.
Following a high-level review chaired by the Chief Minister, Minister Sharma emphasized that the administration is closely monitoring the availability of fuel, LPG, and food items to protect the public from artificial scarcity. To bolster these efforts, over 20 specialized teams from the Legal Metrology Department have been deployed across the Union Territory to conduct round-the-clock inspections and prevent market irregularities.
In a stern warning to unscrupulous traders, the Minister declared a zero-tolerance policy toward hoarding, black marketing, and profiteering. He stated that any LPG distributors, petrol pump owners, or dealers found exploiting the current international situation will be blacklisted and face rigorous legal action.
To further stabilize the market, the government has requested an increased commercial LPG quota from the Union Ministry and announced a relief measure providing 2.5 liters of kerosene per family for AAY category households. The Minister confirmed that LPG vessels are currently en route to ports, which will soon normalize domestic stocks.
As J&K prepares for a record-breaking tourism season alongside the observance of Ramadan and the upcoming Navratri festival, the government is prioritizing 100% supply fulfillment for hospitals and educational institutions.
Minister Sharma urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying, which often fuels misinformation and benefits illegal middlemen. By coordinating with district-level task forces and the Directorate of Information, the administration aims to provide real-time updates to citizens, ensuring that the economy remains resilient and that essential services continue without hindrance during this temporary global crunch.