Fuel frenzy grips J&K as truckers’ strike sparks panic-buying at petrol pumps

Following the extension of the truckers’ strike in Jammu Kashmir, a wave of panic-buying engulfed the region, leading to massive queues at fuel stations. The strike, triggered by protests against stricter punishments in hit-and-run cases under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita law, has significantly impacted fuel supplies.

The All J&K Petrol Tanker Owners’ Association said, declared that the strike would persist until the contentious legislations are repealed. As a result, 90 percent of petrol pumps in Jammu have already run dry, with the remaining stocks expected to be depleted in the next few hours. Approximately 1,500 tankers, responsible for transporting fuel to the Union Territory and Ladakh, are currently on strike.son

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduces stringent penalties, including up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh, for drivers causing serious accidents due to negligent driving who flee without informing authorities. Truckers across several states initiated the protest against this provision on Monday.

The fuel scarcity triggered long queues at filling stations across Jammu and Kashmir, causing traffic snarls in various parts of Srinagar and other areas in the Valley. District Magistrate Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, urged the public not to succumb to panic and assured that there is sufficient stock of petroleum products in the district. He appealed for cooperation in avoiding panic buying and hoarding, emphasizing the potential creation of artificial scarcity.

The district administration is closely monitoring the supply and distribution of petroleum products, with instructions to petrol pump owners and dealers to ensure regular and adequate supply to consumers. Vaishya called on the public to maintain order at petrol pumps and cooperate with the administration to prevent inconvenience to others.

V K Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, echoed the sentiment, stating that while there is an impact of the nationwide strike, there is a substantial stock of diesel, petrol, and LPG available in the Valley. Bidhuri assured the public that there is no need to panic and emphasized that the authorities are actively managing the situation. Despite assurances, some fuel station managers in Srinagar expressed concerns about rapidly depleting stocks due to heightened demand and urged prudence among consumers.