Srinagar, March 26 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged people to stop panic buying fuel amid long queues at petrol pumps across the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah warned that strict action could be taken if the situation does not improve. "My earnest request to people is that they stop camping outside petrol pumps, otherwise I will shut all the petrol pumps for the next few days," he said.

He stressed that there is no shortage of essential fuel supplies and blamed rumours for the panic. "It's regrettable that when the government speaks, no one listens, but everyone believes the rumours. In a review meeting the other day, it was duly decided that there is currently no shortage of anything...