People across Valley resort to panic buying amid fuel shortage rumours
Will shut petrol pumps if people won’t stop panic buying: CM Omar
Srinagar/Jammu: Petrol pumps across Kashmir witnessed panic buying on Thursday as rumours of fuel shortage amid the West Asia conflict spread, even as authorities assured that sufficient quantities of essential supplies were available, officials said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah threatened to shut down shut petrol pumps if people won’t stop panic buying.
People made a beeline for fuel stations in Srinagar city and other parts of the Valley with their vehicles, cans and bottles, leading to serpentine queues.
Many fuel stations were shut and were turning away people, saying that their pumps had run dry.
In many places, people had to wait for hours altogether to fill up the fuel tanks of their vehicles.
“I had to wait over an hour for my turn as there was a huge rush. But I finally managed to fill petrol in my car,” said Owais Ahmad from Srinagar.
Ahmad said there were rumours that due to the conflict in West Asia, fuel supply was short and there could be a lockdown in the country in the wake of an “energy crisis”.
“Social media is full of such rumours. It has created panic among the people. And whenever there is such a panic, the people of Kashmir turn up at the petrol pumps first,” he said.
A petrol pump owner in Ganderbal district said people were “unnecessarily creating panic” and resorting to panic buying, forcing many fuel stations to call it a day.
“There is no supply shortage. There is sufficient fuel, but we had to close the pump as there was a huge rush and panic among the public. Some petrol pumps and fuel agencies are limiting the sale to ensure adequate stock,” he said.
The authorities have urged the people to remain calm and not resort to panic buying.
“Sufficient quantity of LPG and petroleum products is available across the Valley. It is being replenished regularly to ensure an uninterrupted supply,” said Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg.
He urged the public not to be swayed by rumours, reiterating that there is no shortage of fuel.
Garg warned of stringent legal action against individuals who spread misinformation or attempt to incite unnecessary panic among the public.
District authorities across the Valley carried out a review of the situation and appealed to people to avoid unnecessary rush at petrol pumps to ensure smooth distribution for all.
Meanwhile, warning people to refrain from panicking or crowding petrol pumps, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said reiterated that there is no shortage of fuel, LPG or essential commodities and said he was attending a meeting with the prime minister on the matter.
“My earnest request is that people stop camping outside petrol pumps. If this situation continues, I may be forced to shut all petrol pumps for the next few days until this cycle of rumours stop,” he said on Thursday
Abdullah said unnecessary crowding at fuel stations, despite official assurances, would only worsen the situation.
“If people keep gathering outside petrol pumps based on rumours, it will unnecessarily create problems where none exist,” he said, reacting to long queues outside petrol pumps.
On Pakistan positioning itself as a potential mediator in the US-Israel conflict with Iran, Abdullah said any effort that helps end the war should not be opposed.
“The prime minister has scheduled an online meeting tomorrow at 6:30 pm, in which I will also have the opportunity to participate. It will specifically discuss the situation in Iran and neighbouring regions and what additional steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, especially if the conflict continues,” Abdullah told reporters here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact on Friday with the chief ministers of all states, barring those which are going to polls, to review their preparedness and plans in the wake of the West Asia conflict.
Abdullah, who inaugurated the Jammu Marathon Expo here, warned that continued hoarding behaviour may force authorities to shut fuel stations temporarily.
“As of now, there is no shortage of anything—whether it is fuel, LPG, or other essential items,” Abdullah said, adding that the government has reviewed the situation thoroughly and found no need for rationing or restrictions.
Expressing concern over panic buying triggered by social media rumours, Abdullah said such behaviour could itself create artificial shortages.
“It is regrettable that when the government speaks, no one listens, but everyone believes rumours,” he said. “In a recent review meeting, it was clearly decided that there is currently no shortage of diesel, petrol or LPG cylinders, and no directive has been issued anywhere to reduce consumption.”
On Pakistan positioning itself as a potential mediator in the West Asia conflict, Abdullah said any effort that helps end the war should not be opposed.
“If Pakistan plays a role in ending the war, why should you or I object?” he said. “If they have good relations with both Israel and Iran, and if dialogue through them helps stop the war, then I do not think anyone should have any objection.”
He added that what matters most is an early end to hostilities and stability in the region.
“For now, I want to assure everyone that there is no shortage of petroleum products across the country, and there should not be any shortage,” the chief minister said.
