Fuel shortages and price hikes hit Kashmir as heavy vehicles are barred on NH-44 due to landslides, affecting supplies and the apple harvest.
Long queues at dry petrol pumps in Srinagar as fuel supply halts and heavy vehicle restrictions on NH-44 strain Kashmir’s essential goods flow.
Srinagar: The prolonged restriction on heavy vehicles along the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) has caused widespread disruption in Kashmir, leading to fuel shortages and soaring prices of essential commodities. Triggered by repeated landslides and road damage, the ban has halted the movement of fuel tankers and other goods carriers, hitting supplies across the Valley.
In Srinagar and several parts of south Kashmir, many petrol pumps have run dry. Long queues are being seen at stations still operational, with residents rushing to stock up. Tankers loaded with fuel remain stranded due to the continued closure of the route to heavy motor vehicles. With essential goods unable to reach the Valley in bulk, prices of vegetables, milk, poultry, and other daily items have spiked, especially in remote areas.
The highway, currently open only to light vehicles, is undergoing emergency restoration work after landslides and mudslides damaged large stretches, including bridges and steep slopes. Agencies like NHAI and BRO are engaged in round-the-clock repairs, but progress has been slow amid adverse weather and terrain.
The ongoing crisis is particularly worrying for the horticulture sector. With the apple harvest underway, thousands of boxes remain stuck in transit. Many growers are unable to transport their produce or even source fuel for generators. Retailers, transporters, and households alike are reporting mounting losses. In some rural areas, petrol is unavailable entirely, forcing residents to travel long distances for supplies.
While authorities claim that alternative routes and faster repair work are being explored, the disruption has highlighted the region's dependency on a single fragile supply chain. Stakeholders are demanding urgent intervention to restore full traffic flow on NH-44 and prevent further economic fallout.
