Panic Buying At Petrol Pumps In Kashmir, Govt Says No Shortage

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Panic buying was reported across parts of Kashmir on Wednesday after rumours of a possible lockdown spread on social media, prompting authorities to issue strong reassurances that there is no shortage of essential commodities and no plan to impose restrictions.

Queues were seen at petrol pumps in several areas as anxious residents rushed to stock up, amid speculation linked to global developments and misinterpretation of official statements on“preparedness.”

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People were seen filling petrol in plastic cans and bottles at fuel stations across Srinagar.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg termed the rumours“baseless” and urged people to remain calm, saying the administration is closely monitoring supplies and the overall situation.

“There is no need for any kind of panic. Stocks of essential commodities are being monitored regularly and their adequacy is being ensured along with proper distribution,” Garg said.

He categorically ruled out any possibility of a lockdown.“There is no such update from the government regarding any lockdown. If any decision is taken, it will be officially communicated,” he added.

Officials said essential commodities, including petrol, diesel and LPG, are adequately stocked, with reserves sufficient for nearly two to three weeks. Supply chains, they said, remain stable despite global volatility.

The Divisional Commissioner also cautioned against misinformation, warning that strict action would be taken against those spreading unverified claims.“People should rely only on official government sources for authentic information,” he said.

At the national level, authorities have also denied any plans for a nationwide lockdown, clarifying that recent references to“preparedness” were misinterpreted. The Centre said there are no restrictions being considered on public movement or economic activity.

The speculation gained traction amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns over global trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials said India's energy and supply systems remain robust, backed by strategic reserves and diversified sourcing.

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Public sector oil major Indian Oil Corporation also dismissed rumours of fuel shortages, stating that all outlets are functioning normally with adequate stock. The company urged citizens to avoid panic buying and maintain normal consumption patterns to ensure smooth distribution.

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Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) termed reports of fuel shortages in certain areas“completely unfounded”, asserting that“there is no shortage of fuel across the nation”.

The company said India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel and has“adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and ATF”, with supply chains operating“smoothly without any disruption”.

It added that it remains“fully operational and committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply”.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) also said there is“no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG across the country”, with supplies remaining stable and stocks adequate.

It advised customers not to be misled by rumours or engage in panic buying, and to“continue with normal consumption patterns”, adding that it is committed to ensuring“an uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply” across its network.

Authorities said monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened, with multiple government agencies overseeing essential commodities to prevent any disruption. Enforcement drives are also underway to curb hoarding and black marketing.

While the war in West Asia has disrupted crude oil, LNG and LPG supply chains, India with its diversified sourcing has been able to secure enough supplies of crude oil (the raw material used to make fuels like petrol and diesel) from West Africa, Latin America and the US.

The disruption in liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to India's largest supplier's facilities in Qatar being hit in the war, has led to prioritisation of the fuel to domestic users and CNG while some curtailment has been done for industrial users like fertilizer plants.

LPG is the most impacted by the war as the country relied on imports to meet 60 per cent of its demand. A majority of it came from the Gulf countries, from where supplies have been hit. This has led to government prioritising supplies to domestic household kitchens and curtailing usage by commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants by at least half.

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