Oil companies deny shortage
Srinagar, Mar 25: Fuel stations across Kashmir witnessed massive rush and long queues on Wednesday as anxious motorists scrambled to secure fuel amid speculations of a lockdown, claims that were rejected by the divisional administration later in the day.
Several fuel stations from Sonwar, MA Road to Solina, Karan Nagar to Bemina, and others in different districts recorded heavy footfall, with long queues of four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers spilling onto main roads, leading to traffic snarls and chaotic scenes. People were also seen carrying bottles and cans to purchase petrol, apparently to store extra fuel, fearing a potential crisis.
The rush continued despite the government clarifying that there was no shortage of essentials, including fuel, in Kashmir. Workers at fuel stations said such panic is often witnessed whenever speculation arises about fuel scarcity.
Motorists told Rising Kashmir that they had to wait around half an hour to get their vehicles refilled. “We are refilling the tanks to ensure we don’t face any hardships in case of a shortage in the coming days,” one motorist said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, dismissed rumours about any possible lockdown, urging people not to panic and to rely only on official sources for information. “There is no such update from the government. If any such decision is taken, it will be officially communicated,” he said, warning that rumour-mongers will face strict action for spreading misinformation.
Meanwhile, oil companies on Wednesday dismissed reports of fuel shortages, stating that petrol, diesel, and LPG stocks remain adequate across the country. Indian Oil Corporation said its fuel outlets are fully operational and well stocked, cautioning that misinformation can disrupt supply patterns and create avoidable concern.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd termed shortage claims “completely unfounded,” adding that India maintains strong inventories of crude oil and refined fuels with supply chains running smoothly. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd reiterated that there is no shortage and advised consumers to stick to normal consumption.
A recent clarification by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed confusion around LPG refill bookings, stating that reports of changes in booking norms are incorrect. The minimum gap between two LPG refill bookings remains 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas. Authorities stressed that LPG availability is adequate and urged people to avoid panic booking.
The reassurance comes amid disruptions in global energy supply due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Officials said India has managed the situation through diversified sourcing, securing crude oil from West Africa, Latin America, and the United States. However, LPG supplies have faced some pressure as India depends on imports for nearly 60 per cent of its requirement, largely from Gulf nations. The government has prioritised domestic household supply while reducing allocation to commercial users like hotels and restaurants. LNG supplies have also been adjusted, with priority given to households and transport sectors.
Despite repeated assurances, authorities noted that panic behaviour has been observed in some parts of the Valley. The government continues to appeal to people to remain calm, stressing that sufficient stocks are available and supply lines remain intact. However, in Kashmir, large crowds rushing to fuel stations reflected public anxiety driven more by rumours than actual shortages.
