Kulgam Administration Seals Petrol Pump Over Artificial Fuel Scarcity; DC Warns Against Hoarding

KULGAM, March 26, 2026 — Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam took decisive action on Thursday by sealing a local petrol pump for violating operational norms and creating an artificial fuel shortage.

During a district-wide inspection drive aimed at assessing fuel availability, the “Fast Track Filling Station” was found to have intentionally kept its dispensing units dry despite having significant petrol stocks in its underground tanks.

Taking a serious view of this malpractice, the DC ordered the immediate sealing of the outlet and directed the registration of an FIR against the operator for misleading the public and violating essential service regulations.

The crackdown comes amid heightened global concerns over potential fuel shortages triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

This international uncertainty has led to bouts of panic-buying across various regions; however, the Deputy Commissioner reassured residents that there is no cause for alarm in the district. He confirmed that 21 filling stations are currently operational across Kulgam and issued a stern warning to all petroleum dealers to maintain a smooth and transparent supply chain.

Any further attempts to hoard fuel or create “dry” conditions while stocks are available will be met with the strictest legal consequences.To further calm public anxiety, the UT administration has issued a formal advisory clarifying that Jammu and Kashmir maintains a robust fuel reserve sufficient for up to 74 days.

Authorities have urged the public to refrain from panic-buying or hoarding, as such behaviors only disrupt the local economy and create unnecessary distress.

The DC emphasized that the administration is monitoring stock levels daily and will continue conducting surprise inspections to ensure that all filling stations adhere to government-mandated distribution norms, protecting consumers from exploitative practices during this period of global tension.