Punjab Has Adequate Petrol, Diesel Stocks Amid Iran Conflict: CM Mann

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the ongoing Iran conflict, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday addressed a press conference in Chandigarh, sharing key details about the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG in the state. The Chief Minister stated that Punjab currently has petrol reserves sufficient for 12 days and diesel stock for 14 days. In addition, the state has LPG reserves for around six days. He assured the public that there is no need for panic, noting that similar conditions had prevailed two months ago without causing any disruption. Mann pointed out that the recent surge in demand for fuel is largely driven by rumours. He said the Chief Secretary has been in contact with Deputy Commissioners across districts, and inspections have been carried out at petrol pumps where long queues were reported. Referring to the meeting held a day earlier, the Chief Minister said the central government has agreements with 41 countries and that India has oil reserves sufficient for about 60 days. He emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation on a minute-to-minute basis and urged people to avoid misinformation. He further clarified that there is no situation akin to a lockdown in the country and advised citizens against hoarding fuel or other essential commodities. The state government, he said, remains in constant touch with the Union Home Ministry and the Petroleum Ministry. Mann also highlighted that the state has requested the removal of any restrictive conditions to ensure that industries are not forced to shut down, even temporarily, as many livelihoods depend on their continued operation. Addressing concerns related to agriculture, he noted that the wheat harvesting season is approaching, and uninterrupted fuel supply is essential for tractors, combine harvesters, and transport vehicles. He stressed that there should be no shortage of diesel or petrol so that crops can be transported to mandis, weighed, and moved to warehouses without delay. The Chief Minister added that he had urged the Prime Minister to maintain strong international relations and ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and other essential goods. He said this is a crucial time to safeguard the interests of India’s 1.4 billion population and prevent any disruption in daily life.