Fuel stocks deplete in Kashmir as Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed

Press Trust of India  |  Srinagar 

The closure of the arterial Jammu-National Highway has led to depletion of fuel stocks in Kashmir, forcing the authorities to direct fuel pumps to provide only three litres petrol per vehicle per day, officials said on Friday.

According to an order issued by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, the fuel stations have also been directed not to provide more than 10 litres of diesel per commercial vehicle per day.

"In view of the fast depletion of petrol products, MS and HSD and LPG, it is felt expedient to implement the rationing with respect to distribution of these products till such time the supply position improves after road opening," Khan said in the order.

companies have been directed to restrict supply of petrol and

diesel to fuel pumps to 1000 litres per day per station, according to the order.

They have also been told to reserve separate quota for government vehicles, ambulances, water tankers and snow clearance machines.

The 265-kilometre Jammu-road has remained closed for most part in the past 11 days due to heavy snowfall coupled with avalanches and landslides at several places.

It is completely closed for vehicular traffic since Wednesday.

This closure of the road has also resulted in an abrupt rise in prices of like vegetables and fruits while mutton and are short in supply.

The situation has also forced many to use public transport while some others preferring to travel by foot.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Fri, February 08 2019. 19:10 IST