Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Mar 25: Rumours of a possible lockdown due to fuel shortages amid the ongoing Iran war triggered panic buying across Kashmir today, with long queues witnessed at petrol pumps across the Valley, particularly in Srinagar, even as the administration assured that adequate supplies are available.
A majority of fuel stations saw an unusual rush as residents feared that the Government might impose restrictions due to a potential energy crisis. The surge in demand led to congestion at several outlets, with some petrol pumps temporarily shutting operations due to the sudden influx of vehicles, further fuelling anxiety among consumers.
“I heard that the Government was planning to enforce a lockdown due to fuel shortage, so I came here to refill my tank. I do not know what the issue is,” said a motorist in Srinagar.
Tariq Ahmad, a resident from Soura said he found a petrol pump closed, which heightened his concern. “I left home to fill petrol but found the pump closed, which increased my anxiety. If there is no crisis, why petrol pumps refuse us fuel?” he asked.
However, fuel station operators dismissed fears of any shortage, attributing the situation to panic triggered by misinformation. “We have enough stock available here and vehicles carrying more supplies are in transit. We have also received assurances from oil companies and the Government regarding availability of supplies. People should stop panic buying,” said Nissar Ahmad, a petrol pump manager in Srinagar.
Another petrol pump owner, Ubaid Ahmad Mir from Anantnag, said there is no shortage of fuel and blamed unnecessary panic among people. “We have ample supplies available. People are unnecessarily creating panic,” he said.
Some motorists also reported normal availability of fuel. “I left home thinking there is a shortage, but got my tank filled easily. There is nothing like a shortage-ample supply is available. People should not believe rumours,” said another motorist in Srinagar.
Similar scenes were reported from several parts of Kashmir, where panic buying triggered by misinformation led to heavy rush at fuel stations despite sufficient availability of fuel.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said there is no need for panic over rumours of a possible lockdown and urged people to rely only on official Government communication. He warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar amid speculation of a lockdown linked to emerging energy concerns due to the Iran war, Garg said any such decision would be formally communicated by the Government. “If anything like that happens, you will get information from the Government,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister and the administration are regularly addressing the situation.
He said the administration is closely monitoring the availability of essential commodities and ensuring their adequate supply and distribution. “There is no need for any panic. Stocks of essential commodities are being monitored, and their sufficiency and distribution are being ensured,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
