Jammu: Long queues of residents carrying LPG cylinders were seen outside gas distribution centres in several parts of the Jammu region on Saturday as panic buying was reported despite government assurances that there was no shortage of cooking gas.
Witnesses said people gathered at distribution points from early morning, with hundreds of residents waiting in line to refill cylinders amid fears of possible supply disruption.
The rush was reported in multiple localities across Jammu, with particularly large crowds seen in the Chawal area of Kathua district, where thousands of residents were reported to be standing in queues.
The sudden surge in demand created temporary congestion outside several LPG agencies and sparked arguments among customers attempting to secure refills.
Officials said the rush appeared to be driven by rumours of a potential shortage, although authorities have repeatedly stated that adequate supplies of LPG cylinders are available in the region.
“There is no shortage of LPG cylinders and supplies are being maintained normally,” an official associated with the distribution network told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
He said additional monitoring was being carried out to ensure smooth distribution and prevent hoarding.
Eyewitnesses said that at some locations heated arguments broke out as residents attempted to move ahead in queues or secure cylinders before stocks ran out.
“In some places people were arguing with each other because the queues were very long and everyone wanted to get the cylinders quickly,” a local resident said.
Despite the rush, officials said supply operations continued and distribution centres were functioning normally.
Authorities appealed to residents not to panic and urged them to avoid unnecessary purchases that could disrupt normal supply patterns.
Officials said the situation was being closely monitored and steps were being taken to ensure orderly distribution at LPG agencies.
Local police were also alerted in some areas to manage crowds and maintain order outside distribution centres where large gatherings were reported.
Officials said such situations often create artificial pressure on supply chains even when adequate stocks are available.
They urged people to rely on official information rather than unverified rumours circulating on social media or through word of mouth. [KNT]
