Srinagar, Mar 25: On a day when whispers travelled faster than facts, fear translated into action across Kashmir.
From early morning, serpentine queues formed outside petrol pumps, LPG godowns, and fuel stations, as anxious residents rushed to stock up on essentials amid rumours of an impending lockdown – rumours the government has firmly denied.
At Nowshera, the scene was telling.
Vehicles lined up bumper-to-bumper, engines idling, drivers stepping out repeatedly to check the queue’s progress.
Some carried plastic cans and jerrycans, hoping to store extra fuel “just in case.”
“We heard about a possible lockdown late last night through social media and word of mouth. That’s why I came early morning to refill my car and even brought a can for extra petrol,” said Junaid Ahmad, standing beside his vehicle. “You never know what might happen. Even if it turns out to be false, at least we are prepared.”
The anxiety was not limited to motorists.
At several fuel stations, attendants struggled to manage the sudden surge.
“Since morning, we have not had a moment to breathe,” said a fuel station worker in Srinagar. “People are not just filling their tanks, they are asking for full tanks, extra storage, even arguing if we try to regulate supply. This kind of rush usually happens only during extreme situations.”
For many, the fear stemmed not from official announcements, but from uncertainty itself.
“There is confusion everywhere,” said Shabir Lone, another customer waiting in line. “Someone says lockdown is coming, someone says it’s fake. In such situations, people panic. We have families to look after. It’s better to be cautious than regret later.”
At LPG distribution centres, the rush was equally intense.
Women, elderly residents, and daily wage workers queued up, clutching booking slips and hoping to secure cylinders before stocks ran out.
“I had already booked my cylinder, but when I heard about the lockdown rumours, I came personally to ensure I get it today,” said Rafiqa Begum, a homemaker. “Cooking gas is essential. If that finishes, how will we manage at home?”
Another resident, Fayaz Ahmad, echoed the concern saying, “During past situations, supplies got delayed. That memory is still fresh. So people are reacting quickly now, maybe even overreacting, but it comes from experience.”
Distributors confirmed an unusual spike in demand.
“Normally, we handle a steady flow of bookings. Today, it’s overwhelming,” said an LPG dealer in Srinagar. “People are insisting on immediate delivery, some even requesting additional cylinders. We are trying to assure them that supplies are sufficient, but fear spreads faster than reassurance.”
Amid the chaos, the administration moved swiftly to calm nerves.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, categorically dismissed the speculations and urged people not to fall prey to misinformation.
“If anything like that happens, you will get information from the government. The Honourable Prime Minister is continuously addressing the country, and statements are also being issued by the government. There is no need to rely on unverified sources,” Garg said.
Appealing directly to the public, he said, “I would like to request everyone that we do not need any kind of panic. Stocks of essential commodities are being continuously monitored, their sufficiency is being ensured, and distribution is being maintained smoothly.”
Garg also issued a stern warning against rumour mongering saying, “If there is any such development, the government will inform you first. Those involved in spreading rumours will face strict action. I urge people to rely only on official handles for authentic information.”
On the broader situation, he reassured that normalcy prevails.
“The situation remains stable. Security reviews are a continuous process carried out jointly by the administration and police. Tourist destinations are open, and Kashmir is witnessing a significant influx of visitors, especially after the opening of the Tulip Garden,” he said.
Officials from oil marketing companies (OMCs) also stepped in to dispel fears, maintaining that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in Kashmir.
“Supply lines are intact, and there is adequate stock to meet demand,” an OMC official said. “We appeal to people not to indulge in panic buying, as it creates unnecessary pressure on the system.”
