Amid ‘rumoured’ fuel shortage, vehicle owners make beeline to fuel stations in Kashmir
Hundreds of vehicles queued up at nearly every filling station, authorities claimed, causing traffic jams in various districts across the valley
Massive lines of vehicles could be spotted at fuel stations in Kashmir on Thursday as residents rushed to fill up vehicle tanks in the wake of rumours that the nation was experiencing a fuel scarcity.
Hundreds of vehicles queued up at practically every filling station, waiting for their turn to be refilled, causing traffic congestion in several areas of the Srinagar city and throughout the valley.
At certain fuel stations, where some motorists became disorderly while waiting for their turn, police and traffic police officers were spotted supervising vehicle flow.
According to a police spokesman, there were several small altercations that were settled peacefully.
The rush to fill up automobiles began as rumours on social media spread that the country was experiencing a fuel scarcity.
Oil companies deny reports of fuel scarcity
Meanwhile, oil corporations like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) have denied rumours of a fuel shortage, claiming that sufficient supplies are available and urging people not to worry.
“HPCL is addressing the country’s ever-increasing fuel consumption and ensuring product availability across our supply chain. Our valued consumers do not need to be concerned. We are dedicated to the uninterrupted supply of auto fuels in the markets,” a spokesman of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited stated.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) stated in a tweet, “We assure everyone that there is ample product availability at all our filling stations, across our network. As a result, there is no need to be concerned. We state unequivocally that we will provide uninterrupted petrol and diesel supply in all areas where we have a presence.”
V Satish Kumar, Director (Marketing) of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) said that all markets have sufficient product availability and supplies. “Please do not be alarmed. At all times, Indian Oil is entirely devoted to serving the people.”
Fuel price increase not on cards, says Divisional Commissioner Kashmir
Divisional Commissioner P K Pole refuted the reports on Thursday, saying that there is no shortage of fuel in Kashmir.
As per a local news agency, Pole said that there is no need to fret because people may fill up their tanks at retail shops of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
He also stated that by this evening, Hindustan Oil Corporation Limited would have sufficient petrol and diesel supplies and that there will be no fuel price increases in the near future. He underlined that there will be no concerns with fuel availability.
He also advised people to buy petrol and diesel just as needed and not to believe in rumours.
