Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury convened a crucial high-level meeting to assess the current food and fuel stocks in the state. This review was deemed critical as the monsoon frequently hampers the transport of goods via the Assam-Agartala National Highway and railway lines, leading to supply shortages and price hikes.
The meeting, attended by key officials from the Department of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, representatives from the business community, and officials from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCIL), focused on ensuring adequate supplies of essential items, including petroleum products and LPG cylinders.
“Recognizing that natural disasters during the monsoon can hinder transportation and lead to price hikes in essential commodities, the department has taken steps to prevent shortages and curb black marketeering,” Minister Chowdhury said. He emphasized the establishment of a buffer stock of essential food items to mitigate disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions. “The current stock in our godowns will suffice for the next few days, ensuring consumers can easily access necessary items without facing any difficulties,” he assured.
The Minister issued a stern warning to black marketeers and hoarders, underscoring that the Food Department will take strict action against those attempting to create artificial shortages or inflate prices. “Our officers are actively conducting raids and inspections in various markets to prevent the sale of expired goods and ensure prices remain stable,” Chowdhury added.
Addressing concerns about fuel availability, Chowdhury assured the public that there is no need to panic. “The state has a sufficient stock of petrol and diesel for the next six to seven days. Additionally, although the railway lines at Badarpur and Lumding have sustained partial damage due to heavy storms, causing water and slush accumulation in some areas, we are in close contact with Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Efforts are underway to resolve these issues within the next two days,” he explained.
The high-level meeting saw attendance from key officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, the Director, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Sub Divisional Controllers (Food), Chief Inspectors, and the Divisional Manager of the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Representatives from various merchant associations, market committees, and officials from IOCIL, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, were also present.
