OMCs ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply amid demand surge in J-K: Official

Public sector oil marketing companies in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability amid a 20-30% rise in demand, urging consumers to avoid panic buying.

Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) are ensuring uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh amid a sharp rise of 20 to 30 per cent in fuel demand, officials said on Saturday.

OMCs appealed to public to avoid panic buying and advised consumers to continue normal purchase and rely only on official communications for accurate information regarding fuel availability.

State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry, Himanshu Sharma said Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited recorded a 30 per cent increase in petrol sales and 20 per cent rise in diesel sales in Jammu and Kashmir during May 1-21 compared to the corresponding period last year.

He said the higher offtake of petroleum products in the region was driven by seasonal agricultural activities and increased tourist inflow, while additional demand arose due to a noticeable shift of institutional and commercial consumers towards retail fuel outlets.

Sharma said public sector OMCs were maintaining close coordination with the administration to ensure seamless fuel supply and distribution across the region.

''Public sector OMCs continue operations and logistics coordination across the country to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG despite the sudden and significant increase in demand,'' he said.

The oil industry also assured consumers that adequate stock of petroleum products, including LPG, is available and all necessary measures are in place to maintain uninterrupted supplies.

According to officials, OMCs are continuously reviewing stock positions and coordinating logistics and distribution to efficiently meet the enhanced demand.

The oil industry reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies and meeting consumer requirements across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh during the ongoing peak-demand period.