With 140 LMT Wheat Harvest Near, Punjab Urges Centre for Immediate Fuel Supply, Says CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab urges the Centre to safeguard petrol, diesel and DAP fertiliser supplies ahead of a large wheat harvest, emphasising how disruptions could affect harvesting, transport and national food security.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged the Government of India to secure uninterrupted petrol, diesel and DAP fertiliser supplies, warning that any disruption could affect the upcoming 140 Lakh Metric Ton wheat harvest and, by extension, national food security, even as Punjab readies large wheat and paddy stocks.

While stressing that current stocks are stable, Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is prepared to support the country with 181 Lakh Metric Ton wheat and 139 Lakh Metric Ton paddy held or expected, but insisted that timely central intervention on fuel and fertiliser is vital to keep harvesting, transport and procurement systems functioning without delays.

Punjab fuel supply and wheat harvest concerns

Describing a recent interaction with the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister stated, "During a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday evening, I apprised that Punjab is likely to produce 140 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) of wheat this year. To ensure smooth harvesting and ferrying of the crop, regular supply of petrol and diesel is needed."

Bhagwant Singh Mann added that harvesting will involve intensive use of tractors, trolleys, harvesters and trucks across Punjab, so fuel availability must increase in the wider public interest, noting, "A large number of tractors, trolleys, harvesters and trucks will be used during harvesting, so fuel supply must be enhanced in larger public interest."

Punjab fuel supply, stock levels and LPG data

To calm public anxiety, the Chief Minister said there is no cause for alarm over Punjab fuel supply or LPG. Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that Punjab currently has 12-14 days of petrol and diesel and six days of LPG, which he described as the usual pattern, with national reserves much higher due to import arrangements.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "There is currently a stock of 12-14 days of petrol and diesel and six days of LPG in the state, which is usually the same throughout the year. This stock is intact and supply is going on unabated. The country has import agreements with 41 nations and at the national level 60 days of petrol and diesel stock and 30 days of LPG stock have already been secured."

Sharing operational data on LPG deliveries and checks linked to Punjab fuel supply oversight, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that by Thursday, 71,000 refill requests were received, of which 69,000 had already been delivered, adding that services remain normal with no plans for lockdown and that enforcement teams are inspecting supplies.

Punjab fuel supply, enforcement checks and helpline

On monitoring and enforcement tied to Punjab fuel supply, Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Chief Secretary is tracking stocks closely and warned that "Hoarders and black marketers will not be spared at any cost," highlighting 1,497 checks and seizure of 301 LPG cylinders, along with a dedicated helpline for fuel and LPG-related complaints.

Detailing these enforcement efforts, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Till Thursday, 71,000 requests for LPG refilling were received, out of which 69,000 have already been delivered. There is no possibility of any lockdown in the state and everything is functioning smoothly. A total of 1,497 checks have been conducted, during which 301 LPG cylinders were seized."

Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced that "The Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that both agriculture and industry do not face any disruption. A helpline number 01723321001 has been launched for LPG, petrol and diesel-related issues," linking Punjab fuel supply oversight to support for farmers, businesses and households.

Emphasising Punjab's contribution beyond Punjab fuel supply issues, Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state is ready to provide 41 Lakh Metric Ton wheat currently stored, in addition to the expected 140 Lakh Metric Ton wheat and 139 Lakh Metric Ton paddy, stating that these stocks can be lifted whenever needed to support people across India.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab has always stood with poorer sections and vulnerable regions, remarking that "If the country requires this 181 LMT of wheat and 139 LMT of paddy, it can be lifted anytime. Punjab will uphold its glorious tradition to support the nation in this hour of need and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause."

Turning to policy decisions that affect Punjab fuel supply, Bhagwant Singh Mann welcomed the central move on duties, saying, "The decision of the Government of India to reduce additional tax on petrol and diesel is a confidence-building measure," but urged the Union government to prioritise DAP fertiliser and LPG access as the sowing calendar advances.

Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that regular DAP fertiliser supply is critical because paddy transplantation in Punjab begins on 1 June, adding that the current 45-day LPG refill waiting period in rural areas should be brought down to 25 days, aligning rural timelines with urban areas to reduce pressure on households and agriculture-linked users.

Linking Punjab fuel supply concerns with wider national strategy, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "During the virtual meeting, I flagged all key issues pertaining to Punjab. I urged the Prime Minister to proactively use diplomatic channels so that the country does not face any shortages. Though we claim to be a Vishav Guru, we must ensure that our actions reflect self-reliance and strategic strength in securing essential resources."

Bhagwant Singh Mann's statements present Punjab as ready with grain stocks and internal checks, while stressing that stable Punjab fuel supply, DAP fertiliser availability and shorter LPG refill waits from the Centre are necessary to protect both the coming wheat harvest and the broader food security framework across India.