Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday urged the Centre to ensure enhanced and uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and DAP fertiliser as the state prepares for a 140-lakh-metric-tonne (LMT) wheat harvest, saying any disruption could affect harvesting operations and grain movement.Addressing a press conference, Mann said he had raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a virtual meeting on Friday evening. “Punjab is likely to produce 140 LMT of wheat this year. To ensure smooth harvesting and transportation of the crop, regular supply of petrol and diesel is essential. A large number of tractors, trolleys, harvesters and trucks will be used, so fuel availability must be maintained in larger public interest,” he said.At the same time, Mann said there was no shortage of fuel or LPG in the state and urged people not to panic buy.He said Punjab currently has 12 to 14 days’ stock of petrol and diesel and around six days’ stock of LPG, which he described as normal. “Supply is going on uninterrupted and there is no need for panic,” he said.Sharing operational details, Mann said 71,000 requests for LPG refills were received till Thursday, of which 69,000 had already been delivered. He added that 1,497 checks had been carried out and 301 LPG cylinders seized during action against irregularities.He said the state government had launched a helpline — 0172-3321001 — for LPG, petrol and diesel-related issues.Highlighting Punjab’s role in national food security, Mann said the state was ready to supply 41 LMT wheat already in godowns, apart from the 140 LMT expected this season, and 139 LMT paddy.He also asked the Centre to ensure timely supply of DAP fertiliser ahead of paddy transplantation beginning June 1, and sought a reduction in the LPG refill waiting period in rural areas from 45 days to 25 days, on a par with urban areas.CM slams Centre’s foreign policyReferring to the Centre’s dependence on external approvals for fuel imports, Mann took a swipe at the Union government’s foreign policy positioning. “Though we claim to be a Vishav Guru, we take permission from the White House to get fuel from Russia for one month. Are we turning into Vishav Chela?” he said.Mann added that the Prime Minister should use diplomatic channels and personal ties to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential resources “so that 140 crore Indians do not face problems”.No need for panic buying, says MannMann said there was no need for hoarding or panic buying, adding that the chief secretary was monitoring supplies. He said queues at some petrol pumps were triggered by panic buying and warned that hoarders and black marketers would not be spared. “I urge people not to listen to rumours. Steps are being taken to check black marketing of LPG cylinders,” he said. ‘Special trains for foodgrain movement’Mann also urged the Centre to deploy more special trains to move pending foodgrain stocks from Punjab. He said existing wheat and rice stocks must be lifted quickly to create storage space for the incoming wheat crop. “Punjab has covered storage space of 155 LMT and we would want to store the next wheat crop there if the existing stocks are cleared,” he said.
