Punjab officials reassure ample fuel stocks amid concerns

In line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s directives, a high-level meeting of senior state and district officials was convened to oversee the distribution of diesel and petrol in Punjab. After the meeting, Punjab’s Home Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh reassured that there’s no need for people to panic as the state has sufficient stocks of petrol an diesel.

He mentioned that the stock of petrol across various petrol pumps in the state is around 22,600 kilo liters, compared to the daily consumption of approximately 4,100 kiloliters. He assured regular replenishment. Similarly, the daily consumption of diesel in the state is about 10,000 kiloliters, and the filling stations currently hold more than 30,000 kiloliters, with an additional availability of over 90,000 kiloliters at various terminals, all connected through pipelines to respective refineries ensuring a continuous supply.
Commenting on media reports highlighting significant shortages at some filling stations for petrol/diesel, the Home Secretary clarified that stock levels across all stations are never uniform. While some may have depleted levels, others might have surplus stocks. Therefore, using stock levels at a few stations as an indication of the overall stock situation in the state should be avoided.

The Home Secretary appealed to people to avoid panic buying during the cold weather, as it unnecessarily creates trouble for themselves. District officials were instructed to remain vigilant and ensure proper movement of petrol and diesel trucks throughout the state. They were also directed to hold meetings with the representatives of striking transporters to address their grievances. Police were instructed to stay alert to ensure smooth and uninterrupted distribution and sales of diesel/petrol state wide.