Omar Abdullah warns of petrol pumps' shutdown over panic buying
Jammu/Srinagar, March 27 -- Amid panic-buying of fuel, the chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that there ample stock of fuel, LPG and essential commodities and that "if people didn't refrain from panic buying, he would be compelled to shut fuel stations for the next few days."
"A meeting by the Prime Minister is being held tomorrow on the matter and I will also be attending it but my earnest request is that people stop camping outside petrol pumps. If this situation continues, I may be forced to shut all petrol pumps for the next few days until this cycle of rumours stop," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here this evening.
The chief minister said that unnecessary crowding at fuel stations, despite official assurances, would only worsen the situation. "If people keep crowding petrol pumps just because of rumours the it will unnecessarily create problems where none exist. The problem with the people is that they don't listen to the government but quickly start believing the rumours," he said, reacting to long queues outside petrol pumps.
Omar, who inaugurated the Jammu Marathon Expo here, warned that continued hoarding behaviour may force authorities to shut fuel stations temporarily.
"As of now, there is no shortage of anything-whether it is fuel, LPG, or other essential items," Abdullah said, adding that the government has reviewed the situation thoroughly and found no need for rationing or restrictions.
Expressing concern over panic buying triggered by social media rumours, Abdullah said such behaviour could itself create artificial shortages.
"It is regrettable that when the government speaks, no one listens, but everyone believes rumours," he said.
People said that the overwhelming rumours have prompted them to rush to fuel stations. "I came from Kupwara last night which is around 80 kilometres away from Srinagar. Outside every petrol pump there were people rushing with bottles, jerry cans and drums. And many pumps were completely shut," said Riyaz Ahmad, a government employee.
In Kulgam, district administration sealed two petrol pumps who were believed to be involved in fake shortage. Police also issued advisory in various districts asking people not to indulge in rumour mongering.
"Baramulla police informs that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel and supply across the district is normal. Public is advised not to believe rumors or indulge in panic buying. Spreading misinformation or hoarding fuel in jerrycans/canisters is illegal. Any fuel pump or individual involved in such practices will face strict legal action," reads the message posted by senior superintendent of police, Baramulla....
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