Rahul Chawla
Dharamshala, April 1
Fears triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East led to panic buying of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders in parts of Kangra district on Wednesday, forcing some fuel outlets in Dharamshala to temporarily ration supplies.
The sudden surge in demand was seen at several petrol pumps and gas agencies as residents rushed to stock up on fuel, worried that international tensions could affect local supplies. However, the district administration said there was no shortage of essential fuels and urged people not to panic.
At a petrol pump in Dharamshala’s Kotwali Bazaar, fuel sales were restricted after stocks dropped because of the unexpected rush. To prevent supplies from running out completely, the outlet limited petrol for two-wheelers to Rs 200.
For four-wheelers, petrol sales were capped at Rs 1,000, while diesel was being supplied up to Rs 1,500 per vehicle.
Petrol pump manager Devendra Pathania said the restrictions were imposed by the pump management on its own to ensure fuel remained available for more people, adding that there were no government instructions regarding rationing.
He said around 7,000 litres of petrol and diesel stock remained at the pump and if fresh supplies did not arrive soon, the station could run dry by afternoon.
Pathania said buses and ambulances were being supplied fuel without any restrictions.
He further said the pump had deposited nearly Rs 80 lakh in advance with the company for fuel supply, but the consignment had not yet been cleared.
According to him, the company had initially said three vehicles carrying fuel would be sent, but information received later suggested that only one vehicle had been allocated, carrying 10,000 litres each of petrol and diesel.
Pathania said company officials were not responding to calls, raising concerns that a shortage of petrol and diesel could begin in the area.
Meanwhile, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa appealed to residents not to panic and said there was no shortage of domestic LPG, commercial cylinders, petrol or diesel in the district.
He said neither the Centre nor the Himachal Pradesh government had issued any advisory indicating any shortage of essential commodities.
Bairwa said panic buying had led to a sharp increase in gas cylinder bookings in the district. While Kangra usually records around 7,500 domestic LPG bookings daily, the number had recently risen to between 9,500 and 10,000.
He termed the increase abnormal and said it was the result of unnecessary panic buying rather than actual demand.
The Deputy Commissioner warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found spreading rumours or attempting to create an artificial shortage situation.
