Shortage, rush at fuel stations

The long queues witnessed at the fuel stations across the Valley gave tough time to the commuters as the reports of fuel shortage has created panic among the masses, who visited the stations throughout the day to pile up stock to meet any exigency. Such a situation is being witnessed frequently in Kashmir, especially during winters when the highway remains closed for days together in wake of the snowfall or rainfall that trigger landslides and shooting stones. Amid the reports of oil companies reducing quota to fuel retail outlets, most of the fuel stations remained jam-packed where the people were seen buying petrol and diesel in containers as well as refilling the fuel tanks to keep adequate quota available to avoid hardships if the shortage takes place. Although the Divisional administration Kashmir has made it clear that there is no shortage of the fuel, the people don’t pay heed to the assurances and continue to wait for hours together to get the petrol and diesel. However, the directions passed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) in several districts here have added to the panic among people as the officials have directed for rationalizing petrol and diesel within the district. One fails to understand why the orders are being issued if there is no shortage of petrol and diesel here. In order to address the concerns of the people, the government should come up with a proper statement in this regard so that the rumours are put to an immediate end.