Srinagar, Sep 15 : Panic buying gripped Srinagar on Monday as people thronged fuel stations following rumours that petrol supplies had exhausted due to the closure of the Srinagar–Jammu Highway.
Eyewitnesses said long queues of vehicles were seen at several petrol pumps across the city, with motorists rushing to fill their tanks. At Karan Nagar, a petrol pump owner told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that despite repeated assurances to drivers that there was enough stock, the rush continued at the station.
“People are not listening. Even after telling them that petrol is available, they insisted on filling their vehicles in panic,” the owner said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, meanwhile, clarified that there is no shortage of fuel in the Valley. He said that while the national highway is under restoration, diesel and LPG stocks remain sufficient and petrol supplies will be replenished within two days.
Authorities have urged the public to stay calm and avoid unnecessary panic, assuring that essential commodities, including fuel, are well-stocked.
Picture Syed Muzafar