LPG, Diesel Stock Adequate; Petrol Supply to be restored within 2 days: Div Com Kashmir
Srinagar, Sept 15: The partial closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH-44) has disrupted the Valley’s supply chain, leading to fuel shortages and long queues at petrol pumps across Srinagar on Monday. The situation has underscored the region’s heavy reliance on the highway, which remains the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country.
According to a traffic police advisory issued at 10 am, vehicular movement on Sinthan (SSG) Road and Mughal Road is allowed as per guidelines. However, traffic along the Mughal Road slowed down between Herpora and PKG due to heavy pressure from fruit-laden heavy motor vehicles (HMVs). Officials said NH-44 has not yet been fully restored at Tharad, restricting the flow of goods. Only down traffic from Srinagar towards Jammu is being allowed, while the up convoy remains suspended.
The disruption has caused a cascading effect on the supply of essentials, particularly fuel. Petrol stations in Srinagar witnessed serpentine queues from early morning as anxious residents rushed to fill their vehicles. Some pumps even reported temporary dry-outs, fuelling panic among commuters and transport operators. “I have been waiting for over an hour just to get five litres of petrol,” said Imran Ahmad, a resident of Rajbagh, standing in line at a city pump.
Officials confirmed that fuel tankers are stranded on the highway due to the blockade, and fresh supplies may take time to reach the Valley. “The closure at Tharad has choked movement of oil tankers. While some supplies have trickled in through alternative routes, it is not sufficient to meet daily demand,” a petroleum dealer said.
According to reports, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Monday said LPG and diesel stocks are sufficient, while there is shortage of petrol, but it is expected to be refilled within two days. Div Com said restoration work on the national highway is going on day and night and that authorities are hopeful it will be fully operational within the next two days.
He said that the Mughal Road has been kept open to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the valley.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway is frequently disrupted by landslides, heavy rains, and snowfall, leaving Kashmir vulnerable to supply shortages. Last month, incessant rainfall triggered multiple closures, raising fears over the transport of perishable goods, especially apples. The latest closure has again raised concerns about the Valley’s economic stability.
Authorities have urged commuters to strictly follow advisories. “Commuters are advised not to travel against advisory on NH-44. Lane discipline must be maintained; overtaking will cause congestion,” the traffic police said in its statement. Citizens were also asked not to believe in rumors about road restoration and to rely only on official updates via @Traffic_hqrs on Twitter and the Facebook page of Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police.
The advisory also listed helplines for real-time assistance: TCU Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732), Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091), and Ramban (9419993745, 1800-180-7043).
