‘Will Shut Petrol Pumps If…’: Omar Abdullah Warns Against Panic Fuel Buying, Long Queues

Last Updated:March 27, 2026, 05:35 IST

Omar Abdullah reassured the public that there is no shortage of essential fuels, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, and blamed rumours for the panic.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cautioned people against panic buying of fuel amid long queues at petrol pumps across the Union Territory, and warned that petrol pumps across the region could be ordered to close if such behaviour continues.

Responding to questions about the rush outside petrol pumps, Abdullah warned that strict action could be taken if the situation does not improve. “My earnest request is that you stop camping outside petrol pumps otherwise, I will shut all the petrol pumps for the next few days," he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

He reassured the public that there is no shortage of essential fuels, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, and blamed rumours for the panic. The Chief Minister clarified that a recent review meeting had confirmed there is no shortage of essential fuels.

“It’s regrettable that when the government speaks, no one listens, but everyone believes the rumours. In a review meeting the other day, it was duly decided that there is currently no shortage of anything–be it diesel, petrol, or LPG cylinders–and even after a couple of days, the situation hasn’t changed. Nowhere has there been any directive to reduce usage," he added.

Appealing to the public to remain calm, Abdullah said, “I appeal to those people who are lining up based on social media rumours: please don’t do that. There is a meeting of all CMs with PM Modi tomorrow online, and I will attend that."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak to Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories via video conference at 6.30 pm on Friday to review the evolving situation in West Asia and assess its implications for India, especially those concerning liquefied petroleum gas and oil supplies.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said that India’s petroleum and LPG supply situation is fully secure and under control.

All retail fuel outlets have enough supplies, and there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country, the Ministry said in a release.

The Ministry called upon citizens not to be misled by a deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign of misinformation that is being carried out to spread unjustified panic. It said that because India is a net exporter to the world, domestic petrol and diesel availability is structurally assured.

(With inputs from agencies)

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