A meeting was convened today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, with key stakeholders to deliberate on preventive measures against hoarding and to ensure the smooth availability of essential commodities in view of the recent geopolitical disturbances in West Asian countries.
The meeting was attended by officers of the Food and Supplies Department, representatives of various market associations, consumer organizations, as well as leading traders and wholesalers of essential commodities. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the possible impact of the prevailing situation in West Asia on the supply chain and prices of essential commodities.
He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in monitoring market conditions so as to prevent artificial shortages and unreasonable price escalation. The stakeholders were directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of anti-hoarding regulations and to extend full cooperation to the administration in ensuring fair trade practices.
It was further decided that a coordinated mechanism would be put in place for conducting regular market inspections, maintaining real-time monitoring of stock positions, and taking prompt action in the event of any abnormal price rise or disruption in supply. In view of the concerns regarding LPG supply, the Deputy Commissioner also directed that police personnel be deployed at gas agencies to ensure orderly distribution and to prevent any untoward situation.
Teams under the District Food & Supply Officers have also been constituted to visit LPG agencies and assess the real-time stock position of LPG across Chandigarh. Representatives of the oil marketing companies informed that, as a precautionary measure, gas agencies have presently stopped accepting fresh booking requests for a period of 30 days from the previous booking in cases where consumers hold double LPG connections.
This measure has been taken to ensure equitable distribution and availability of LPG to all consumers. Traders and wholesalers were also advised to maintain transparency in stock declaration, supply, and pricing of essential commodities so that the interests of consumers remain fully protected.
The Deputy Commissioner further appealed to the residents of Chandigarh not to indulge in panic buying and assured that the Administration is closely monitoring the situation. He reiterated that adequate stocks of essential commodities are available and assured the public of the Administration’s full cooperation and prompt response in maintaining a smooth supply chain.
The Deputy Commissioner assured that the Chandigarh Administration remains committed to safeguarding public interest and will take all necessary measures to ensure the uninterrupted and adequate availability of essential commodities in the city.