Agartala: Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone YmbonSushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday said the state has adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG. He, therefore, urged people not to resort to panic buying amid concerns triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with merchant association leaders and petrol pump owners, Chowdhury said some people appeared apprehensive about a possible shortage of petroleum products. However, he assured that there was no reason to worry.
“We have noticed that a section of people has started buying petroleum products in large quantities fearing a crisis due to the war in the Middle East. This perception is completely wrong. We have enough stock of essentials, including petroleum,” he said.
The minister said the government held a meeting with representatives of merchant associations and petrol pump owners and also spoke with officials of Indian Oil Corporation.
“I want to inform the people that we have sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG. Indian Oil officials have assured us that we have more than enough stock for the next one month,” he said.
Chowdhury added that such shortages usually occur only when railway or highway transportation is disrupted. He said weather conditions remain favourable and supply lines are normal.
He appealed to residents not to indulge in unnecessary buying, warning that panic purchasing could create anxiety and disrupt normal supply.
In separate social media posts, the minister reiterated that there was “sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and fuel gas in the state at present” and urged people not to crowd petrol pumps or spread rumours. He also assured that essential commodities were available in adequate quantities and the situation remained normal.
Chowdhury said the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department is taking steps to ensure the smooth supply and stable prices of petroleum products and essential items across the state.
He instructed merchant associations to keep prices of essential commodities within reasonable limits and warned that the government will take strict action against anyone who attempts to exploit the situation or create artificial shortages.
The minister added that enforcement drives will be launched soon to prevent black marketing and ensure that prices of essential goods do not rise beyond normal levels.
Since Monday night, petrol pumps in Agartala have witnessed long queues of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. A two-wheeler rider told reporters that the war in the Middle East could trigger a serious oil crisis, prompting him to wait in line to fill his fuel tank before any potential disruption.
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