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| Panic Serves No One | | | Centre, State and oil companies have been assuring people that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country. Citizens are being advised not to believe in rumours circulating on social media or resort to panic buying. The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s largest oil firm, said, “There is no shortage of petrol or diesel. Our outlets are well-stocked and fully operational”. It cautioned that rumours “can create unnecessary concern and disrupt normal supply patterns” and urged citizens to “avoid panic buying and rely only on verified information”. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also people not to believe in rumours regarding shortage of essential commodities, asserting that there is no scarcity of petrol, diesel or LPG in Jammu and Kashmir at present. He went on to say that it is unfortunate that when the government speaks, people don’t listen, but they believe in rumours. The Central Government has been reiterating that there is no fuel shortage and there are enough stocks across the country. The role of social media in this episode cannot be overlooked. While digital platforms have democratized access to information, they have also become fertile ground for the spread of false narratives. A handful of irresponsible actors can trigger widespread anxiety, affecting millions. The law enforcing agencies have taken a strong note of the ongoing propaganda and have warned unscrupulous elements of stringent legal action. This is a necessary step, but it must be complemented by proactive efforts to educate citizens about verifying sources and resisting the urge to forward unverified messages. At the same time, the responsibility does not rest solely with authorities. Citizens must exercise restraint and critical thinking. In an age where information is abundant but not always accurate, discernment becomes a civic duty. Trusting credible sources, such as official government channels and established institutions, is essential to maintaining social stability. This episode also highlights the importance of transparent and timely communication. Governments and oil companies must continue to provide regular updates, leveraging both traditional and digital media to counter misinformation effectively. Building trust is a continuous process, and consistent engagement with the public can go a long way in preventing such situations. The assurances from the Centre, the J&K Government, and oil companies are clear: there is no shortage. It is now up to citizens to respond with calm, reason, and trust. Panic serves no one; prudence serves all. |
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