Agartala, May 14: There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG, or essential food items in Tripura, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sushanta Chowdhury assured on Thursday.

In a press conference held at the secretariat, he appealed to the public not to crowd petrol pumps unnecessarily out of fear or panic.

Speaking to the media, the Food minister highlighted the state’s fuel and essential commodities stock.

He noted that a meeting had been held earlier in the day with key officials, including K. Shashikumar, Secretary to the Food Department; Director Sumit Lodh; representatives from IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL; as well as Sub-Divisionals of Sadar, Jirania, and Mohanpur.

The meeting confirmed that all 149 petrol pumps in the state have sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel. LPG supplies are also adequate, and there is currently no plan to implement rationing for any fuel.

Chowdhury addressed concerns arising from the global energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. He clarified that rumors of a fuel shortage in the state are entirely unfounded.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt a culture of conservation to preempt crises. Following this guidance, our state has implemented measures to ensure efficient usage. This does not mean there is any shortage of fuel in Tripura,” he said.

Regarding essential food stocks, the minister stated that under the rationing system, the state currently holds 84 days’ worth of rice, 57 days’ wheat, 28 days’ sugar, and 34 days’ lentils. In the open market, there are 84 days’ worth of rice, 38 days’ lentils, 87 days’ cooking oil, 32 days’ onions, 18 days’ potatoes, 37 days’ flour, 31 days’ sugar, and 122 days’ salt.

He warned that anyone attempting to engage in black marketing or artificially create shortages of fuel or essential goods will face strict action. Officials have been instructed to periodically inspect markets and petrol pumps to prevent such practices.

Replying to media query about people transporting large quantities of fuel in drums from petrol pumps, the Minister explained that fuel is required for ongoing infrastructure projects in the state. It is supplied to authorized personnel through slips issued by the competent authorities. The authorities have been directed to enforce stricter regulations for future distribution.