JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
A complex picture is emerging these days in Srinagar and several towns across the Kashmir Valley. While the administration continues to claim adequate stocks of petroleum and cooking gas, the growing crowds of people on the ground are questioning this assurance.
On Tuesday, long queues were seen outside LPG outlets in several areas of Srinagar, including Wazpora, Nawabazar, Karan Nagar, Kamarwari, and Shalteg. People began arriving with cylinders early in the morning and waited until late evening to refill their gas.
The administration maintains that Jammu and Kashmir has at least 15 days’ worth of stock and there is no shortage. Officials have appealed to the public not to panic and to purchase gas only as needed.
Despite this, a sense of uncertainty is clearly visible among the public. Many consumers say there’s no certainty about when the situation will change, so it’s important to prepare in advance. Some are trying to refill multiple cylinders to avoid future problems.
People standing outside gas agencies also expressed concern about rising prices. They say that if prices are increasing now, the situation could become even more difficult in the coming days.
Experts are linking this situation to “panic buying,” where fear and rumors drive people to over-purchase. This results in a temporary shortage in the market, even when actual stocks are sufficient.
This emerging situation in the Valley isn’t just an issue of gas availability, but it also highlights the distrust and insecurity among the public.
At present, the administration is claiming the situation is normal, but the increasing crowds at outlets indicate that people need more assurances—they also need trust.
