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. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir while admitting there is shortage, assured that fuel stations would be refilled within two days.
Amid tension and concern over petrol shortages on account of National Highway closure, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg assured petrol and LPG is expected to be filled in a couple of days. He said restoration work on the National Highway is going on day and night and the authorities are hopeful it will be operational in next two days. "Essentials are stocked well ...diesel and LPG are sufficient ....there is shortage of only petrol which will be addressed soon", he assured, asking people not to panic.
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 said 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. Authorities have urged the public to stay calm and avoid unnecessary panic, assuring that essential commodities, including fuel, are well-stocked
Meanwhile, apple growers and traders in Kashmir staged a protest against the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and “government inaction” in the matter, saying this produce worth over Rs 10,000 crore was at a risk of being spoilt.People associated with fruit businesses staged the protests in Sopore town of Baramulla district and Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.
Fruit mandis across the Valley had called for a two-day shutdown to register their protest as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has remained closed for most parts over the past four weeks.
State President of the Apple Farmers’ Federation Zahoor Ahmad appealed to the government to make arrangements to transport apple-laden vehicles.He said a streamlined and efficient system will prevent delays and financial losses.Ahmad said horticulture was the backbone of the economy of Kashmir.“Due to transportation problem, we are incurring losses in crores of rupees. Apple is a perishable fruit and timely delivery is critical for preserving the quality and getting a reasonable price for the produce,” he added.
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