Running on empty! - Gridlock and desperation hit Kashmir as fuel stations close amid deepening energy crisis

"Long queues have formed at fuel stations and LPG distribution points across Srinagar on Thursday, as residents rush to secure cooking gas cylinders and petrol amid growing concerns over possible shortages linked to global energy market disruptions. Footage shows long lines forming outside fuel stations in several areas of Kashmir as motorcyclists and drivers wait to refuel, while others leave distribution points with cylinders mounted on scooters. At some locations, authorities were seen managing crowds as queues stretched along main roads, with placards reading 'No Cans. No bottles' and 'Dry stock. No petrol. No diesel,' reflecting the dwindling supply. Residents described growing anxiety over the situation and its potential wider impact. "Because of the Iran-Israel war, this problem will not remain limited to here; it will spread across all of India and the entire world. If the war does not stop gradually, it will turn into a very big crisis," said resident Muhammad Shafiq. "People are very panicked. So we don't know what to do. The government says we have a lot of stock, but I don't think they have stock because, like, the people are panicking here," added another resident, Muhammad Ramzan. Authorities have not confirmed any nationwide fuel shortage, declaring its energy supply as 'fully secure', despite multiple locations showing sustained pressure on LPG distribution centres and petrol stations, with some sites temporarily closing or displaying notices indicating depleted stock. Global energy markets remain under strain amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with concerns that the Iran-Israel conflict could further disrupt key shipping routes and impact fuel supplies across import-dependent economies. India is heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which 60 to 65 percent of its crude oil imports pass, alongside a massive supply of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Gulf nations."

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