Srinagar: Amid rising global tensions and increasing petroleum prices, panic buying of fuel and LPG cylinders has been reported in several parts of the country. The All-India LPG Federation has appealed to the public to avoid hoarding and maintain calm to prevent a supply crisis.
Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Federation President Jagmohan Singh Raina said the ongoing international conflict has had a direct impact on the global economy and fuel supplies.
“The ongoing conflict is more economic than territorial. Many countries are affected, and it has disrupted the global economy,” Raina said. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He explained that the shortage situation has been triggered mainly by international developments, particularly the escalating tensions involving Iran, which have affected petroleum product supplies reaching India.
According to Raina, panic buying has led to long queues at petrol pumps across the country, with many people not only filling their vehicles but also storing fuel in cans and bottles.
Gas agencies are also witnessing a similar trend. “People who already have two filled cylinders are demanding a third. Panic buying is visible everywhere, with long lines at petrol pumps and gas agencies being shown on national media,” he said.
The situation has been further complicated by a recent government price revision, which increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by about ₹60 and commercial cylinders by around ₹140.
Raina also raised concerns about restrictions on commercial LPG supplies, which are currently being prioritised for hospitals and educational institutions.
He warned that the biggest impact of the restrictions is being felt in the tourism sector, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, where restaurants and hotels depend heavily on commercial LPG cylinders.
“Jammu and Kashmir is a major tourist destination. Restaurants and hotels rely on commercial cylinders, but their supply has now been severely affected,” Raina said.
He added that the issue has been taken up with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, which has already informed both state and central governments about the situation.
With the holy month of Ramadan underway and Eid approaching, the demand for LPG has increased significantly. Distributors are struggling to meet the rising demand, with daily sales reported to be 1.5 times higher than normal levels.
“Our delivery staff are facing immense pressure. I appeal to the public not to panic or hoard cylinders. Such actions will only worsen the shortage,” Raina cautioned.
He also urged the government to monitor hoarding and improve communication with the public to avoid artificial scarcity.
“The government should ensure proper regulation of gas supplies during Ramadan and Eid. Special attention is also needed to support the tourism sector by relaxing restrictions on commercial LPG cylinders for hotels and restaurants,” he added.
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