Syed Nashir Ali Gillani
Srinagar, Feb 28: Despite government claims Kashmir continuous to face shortage of essential commodities including petroleum products, especially petrol and LPG.
On Wednesday, Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan, while reviewing the availability of essential supplies, said that the prevailing shortage of essential supplies particularly petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene oil has ended after the arrival of sufficient stocks.
Contrary to the government narrative, the situation looks totally different with people complaining about the non-availability of these essential items.
The petrol pumps across the Valley especially in Srinagar witnessed a huge rush of commuters on Thursday, queuing to get the fuel.
A large number of people outside all the petrol pumps were seen waiting to get the petrol after fuel crises from Friday evening here in view of the closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway.
“I went to two filling stations, but couldn’t get the petrol. Now I am here, for the last two hours, I am not sure, whether I will be able to get it or not, I fail to understand, why government is not making serious efforts to end the crisis,” said a motorist, Mohammad Sultan who was waiting in queue for the petrol.
People were seen carrying cans and bottles to get the petrol from refilling stations here.
About the shortage of petrol, consumers at Karan Nagar petrol pump said that the tall claims made by the government that 247 petrol tankers have reached valley are “false”.
Another motorist, Nisar Ahmad at Dalgate petrol pump showed dissatisfaction over the orders issued by the administration, asking petrol pumps to provide limited quantity of petrol.
“Giving petrol for Rs 500 only for a journey of 50 kms is useless. It is a worthless exercise to wait for hours for this little quantity of fuel, “he added.
Asking government to rethink over its orders, few autorickshaw drivers at the city Centre asked the government to ensure adequate supply of essential goods especially petrol.
“For the last two days, I am moving from pillar to post in search of petrol. I am not able to earn my livelihood. The supply should be restored at an earliest. It is not for the first time that National Highway (NH) has remained closed for so long,” said an autorickshaw driver, Mohammad Sultan.
Like petrol, consumers are complaining about the availability of LPG cylinders.
The shortage of LPG has been giving tough time to the people. I am not able to get a single cylinder for the last many days. I called the gas agency, several times despite assurances, no cylinder has been delivered,” said a consumer, Bashir Shah at Baghat.
Alleging black marketing, a consumer Shabir Ahmad at Parraypora asked the government to ensure the availability of LPG at an earliest.
“People are forced to purchase LPG cylinders from open market. Those selling should be taken to task without any delay,” he said.
“We are facing tremendous difficulties. We have no means to cook our food. The kerosene is costly moreover is not available as well,” said Mohammad Irfan.
Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary maintained that adequate supply of essential commodities have reached the valley.
“As far as petrol is concerned, we have stocks for 18 days. One lakh fifty thousand LPG cylinders have reached the valley,” he said.
