Ishfaq Tantry
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, February 24
Fuel shortage has hit Kashmir as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over a recent militant attack sent people scurrying to stock up their supplies.
Most fuel stations in Srinagar and several parts of Kashmir ran dry after people, fearing a possible escalation in the tensions, queued up at gas stations on Saturday to fill up their tanks.
People also stocked essential supplies fearing the escalation. Srinagar administration dismissed reports of fuel shortage in Kashmir “baseless” and tried to allay fears by saying more fuel was expected shortly.
“There has been an acute shortage of fuel stocks for almost a day now. However, with additional fleet of 250 tankers reaching in few hours, we will have one week of supply in place”, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar wrote in a message.
Despite assurances however, the public was still seen queuing for fuel at some places.
Earlier on Saturday, the Divisional Administration in Kashmir had stated that authorities would ration fuel in Kashmir because closure of Jammu-Srinagar highway had hit supplies. The administration said the rationing would stop once they received another supply of fuel supply.
Fuel situation
LPG cylinders: 14435
Motor Spirit: 164 KL
High Speed Diesel: 2510KL
Superior Kerosine Oil: 936 KL