Tripura government on Thursday assured that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG, or essential commodities in the state and urged people not to panic or engage in unnecessary hoarding.
Addressing a press conference at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday evening, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said a high-level review meeting was conducted with senior officials of the Food Department, including the Secretary, Special Secretary, Directors of FCI, ICDS, HPL, BPCL and other concerned departments, along with District Magistrates (DMs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) through virtual mode.
The Minister said that all 149 petrol pumps across the state currently have adequate stocks of petrol and diesel. He also stated that there is no shortage of cooking gas (LPG). Therefore, no rationing system has been introduced for fuel distribution.
Referring to the ongoing global situation arising out of the Middle East conflict, the Minister said many countries are witnessing fuel-related concerns, but India and Tripura remain unaffected due to advance preparedness and timely measures taken by the government. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already appealed to citizens across the country to remain calm and avoid panic buying, and the state government has also adopted precautionary measures accordingly.
Chowdhury further stated that the state’s rationing system currently has sufficient stock of essential commodities, including rice for 84 days, wheat for 57 days, sugar for 28 days, and masoor dal (pulses) for 34 days. In the open market, stocks include rice for 64 days, masoor dal for 38 days, edible oil for 87 days, onions for 32 days, potatoes for 18 days, flour for 37 days, sugar for 31 days, and salt for 122 days.
The Minister warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting black marketing, artificial scarcity, or violating government norms regarding fuel or essential commodities. He said officials concerned have already been instructed to conduct regular inspections of markets and petrol pumps to prevent any malpractice.
Responding to a question regarding reports of fuel being transported in large drums from petrol pumps, the Minister clarified that fuel is required for various infrastructure development works underway in the state. He added that district administrations are issuing slips for such supply and stricter monitoring mechanisms will be implemented in the coming days to ensure proper regulation.