Chandigarh, March 28: To safeguard the upcoming wheat procurement season, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called upon the Union government to ensure the seamless availability of fuel and DAP fertilizer. The Chief Minister cautioned that the movement of an estimated 140 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of grain relies heavily on the central government’s support for essential resources.
Addressing the media, Mann disclosed details of a virtual meeting held with the Prime Minister on Friday. He stated that he urged the use of diplomatic and strategic channels to ensure that farmers do not face resource scarcities during the peak harvesting window.
“While we aspire to be ‘Vishav Guru’, our actions must reflect self-reliance and strategic strength in securing essential resources for our farmers,” the Chief Minister asserted.
The state government is currently monitoring fuel stocks closely, with the Chief Secretary overseeing the distribution of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Mann noted that while national stocks remain secure—with 60 days of fuel and 30 days of LPG available—the state requires proactive measures to handle the local surge in demand. He also declared that the administration would take strict action against any individuals involved in hoarding or black marketing during this period.
The Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the Centre’s recent decision to reduce additional taxes on fuel, describing the move as a positive measure for building confidence among stakeholders. However, he maintained that long-term parity in services, particularly regarding LPG delivery times in rural areas, remains a priority for the Punjab government.
