Punjab Government Holds Meeting with Oil Companies Amid West Asia Tensions

Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak has urged the Central Government to ensure that there is no shortage of essential fuels such as LPG, petrol and diesel in view of the ongoing conflict situation in the West Asia. The minister made the appeal while chairing a meeting with representatives of major public sector oil companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. During the meeting, he stressed the need for coordinated measures to maintain uninterrupted supply and prevent panic among the public. Addressing the meeting, Kataruchak said that given the conflict situation in West Asian countries, the Centre must ensure that essential commodities like LPG, petrol and diesel remain available without disruption so that the public does not face any inconvenience. The minister also urged the high-powered committee constituted by the Central Government to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to maintain adequate supplies. He stated that the committee should ensure that instability in West Asia does not create anxiety among people regarding the availability of essential fuels. Kataruchak further directed senior officials of the department to closely monitor the situation at the district level. He instructed them to hold meetings with Deputy Commissioners and District Food Supply Controllers, along with representatives of gas companies, to ensure smooth coordination and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. Warning against any attempts to manipulate or disrupt the supply of essential goods, the minister said strict action would be taken against violators. He emphasized that illegal hoarding of essential commodities would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that anyone found involved in such activities would face strict legal action.