Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has demanded from the Government of India to immediately ensure increased and uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and DAP fertilizer. He said that Punjab is ready to harvest 140 lakh metric tonnes of wheat. He warned that any disruption in the availability of oil could directly affect national food security.
CM’s appeal to the people
Appealing to the people, the Chief Minister said that there is no shortage of anything and there is no need to panic, but timely action by the Central Government is extremely necessary to ensure that the harvesting and transportation of grains continues smoothly. He said that Punjab is fully prepared to provide 181 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 139 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to meet the needs of the country.
Addressing a press conference here, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “During a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday evening, I told that Punjab is likely to produce 140 lakh metric tonnes of wheat this year. Regular supply of petrol and diesel is extremely essential to ensure smooth harvesting and transportation of the crop. A large number of tractors, trolleys, harvesters and trucks are used during harvesting, hence oil supply should be increased in the larger public interest. This is the need of the hour.” The country’s food security should be maintained at all costs.”
Assuring the people, the Chief Minister said that there is no need to panic. At present, 12 to 14 days of petrol and diesel and about six days of LPG stock is available in the state, which generally remains the same throughout the year. Supply continues continuously. The country has import agreements with 41 countries and at the national level, 60 days of petrol-diesel and 30 days of LPG stock is already secured. He said there was no need for hoarding or panic buying as the Chief Secretary himself was keeping an eye on the supplies. Strict action will be taken against those involved in hoarding and black marketing.
Citing figures, he said, “Till Thursday, 71,000 requests for LPG refills were received, of which 69,000 have been delivered. There is no possibility of any kind of lockdown in the state and all operations are going on normally. A total of 1,497 locations were checked, in which 301 LPG cylinders were seized.” He further said that the Punjab government is committed to ensure that both agriculture and industry do not face any kind of hindrance. Helpline number 0172-3321001 has been started for problems related to LPG, petrol and diesel.
Referring to Punjab’s role in national food security, the Chief Minister said, “In the present situation, Punjab is ready to provide 41 lakh metric tonnes of wheat from its warehouses, while 140 lakh metric tonnes of wheat is expected to be produced this year. Apart from this, Punjab is also ready to provide 139 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to serve the country. The state has always helped the needy and the poor. If the country is to be provided with 181 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 139 lakh metric tonnes of If metric tonne of paddy is required, it can be lifted at any time. Punjab will maintain its glorious tradition of supporting the country even at this time.
Welcoming the steps taken by the central government regarding oil prices, he said, “The decision to reduce additional tax on petrol and diesel is a confidence-building step.” The Chief Minister said that the Central Government should ensure regular supply of DAP fertilizer on priority basis, as sowing of paddy in Punjab is starting from June 1. He also suggested that the waiting period for LPG refill in rural areas should be reduced from 45 days to 25 days at par with urban areas.
Mention of conversation with the Prime Minister
Referring to his conversation with the Prime Minister, he said, “During the virtual meeting, I raised all the important issues related to Punjab. I appealed to the Prime Minister to actively use diplomatic channels, so that the country does not face any kind of shortage. Even though we claim to be ‘Vishwa Guru’, self-reliance and strategic capability in securing essential resources reflects our real strength.”
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