Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 12: The closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway has resulted in a dire fuel shortage in Srinagar, leaving the majority of filling stations closed and causing widespread panic among the residents.
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The people in Srinagar were seen moving from one filling station to another in search of fuel, only to be disappointed as most stations were unable to provide the essential resource. Some stations offered only diesel, while others were overcrowded, forcing customers to endure long waiting periods.
Expressing his frustration, an auto driver waiting at a filling station in the Soura area of Srinagar said: “I have visited petrol pumps at Khayam, Sonwar, and Lalchowk, but I am unable to fill my tank. There is an extreme shortage of fuel here.”
The fuel shortage has arisen due to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway for five days, which was caused by a portion of it being washed away due to flash floods triggered by incessant rains. The inability of heavy vehicles to reach Srinagar has further aggravated the situation.
Another resident criticized the government’s preparedness, particularly in a disaster-prone region like the Valley. “You never know what will happen here. We have seen floods, earthquakes, and other dangerous situations, and every time the government is caught off guard. What have they learned from past experiences? The government should maintain spare supplies for at least three months to avoid such crises,” he said.
In response to public concerns, the government attempted to reassure residents by stating that there was no shortage of essential commodities, including petrol, in the Valley. “There is no need to panic. We have an adequate supply of essential commodities here,” Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said.
However, residents remained skeptical and urged the government to make fuel readily available at the petrol pumps if there truly was no shortage.
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