Consumers were dismayed on Saturday as several petrol pumps in Srinagar ran dry, despite the fact that the authorities and oil companies denied reports of fuel shortage, claiming that adequate stock is available at all refilling stations.

Valley witnessed panic in buying of petrol and diesel since morning. However, many petrol pumps in Srinagar quickly ran out of stock, upsetting the consumers.

When asked about it, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, PK Pole, admitted that ‘few’ petrol pumps of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) experienced shortages, which he blamed on “mischief by its transporters.”

“Some HPCL transporters’ mischief created shortage but the shortfall will end by this evening as the issue with transporters has been resolved now. There is no need to panic,” Pole told the media on the sidelines of a function at Dal Lake here.

He further stated that other companies are not experiencing any such problems and that sufficient fuel is available at their filling stations.