Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Mar 25: Despite authorities reiterating that fuel stocks are adequate and there is no cause for alarm, panic buying of fuel gripped several parts of Srinagar on Wednesday, as people were seen carrying cans and containers to petrol pumps amid rumours of a possible shortage.
Visuals showed commuters filling petrol in plastic cans and bottles at fuel stations, reflecting anxiety triggered by unverified information circulating on social media.
“Heavy rush was witnessed at Karan Nagar, M A Road, Solina, Batmaloo, Ali Jan road, Zakoora and Munawarabad, where long queues of vehicles formed since morning. They said every petrol pump in Batamaloo witnessed heavy rush, with people waiting for hours to get petrol,” a witness said.
“There was an unusual rush. People were not just filling vehicles but also stocking fuel in containers, fearing shortages,” he said.
Another commuter said panic spread quickly across areas. “As soon as rumours spread, people rushed to pumps. Within hours, queues became very long,” he said.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg later in the day dismissed the rumours and assured that there is ‘no shortage of fuel or essential commodities.”
“Stocks are adequate and are being continuously monitored. There is no need to panic. People should not believe in rumours,” Garg said.
Officials also said that the rush was triggered purely by panic behaviour and not by any disruption in supply, adding that normal supply chains remain intact.
It is important to mention, the panic buying comes a day after rumours of a possible lockdown spread widely across social media platforms, prompting concerns among residents.
Despite repeated assurances from the administration denying any such move, the rumours led to sudden crowding at fuel stations and selective shortages caused by increased demand rather than actual supply constraints. (KNO)
