“Fuel black marketing in Jammu & Kashmir is driven by regulatory failure rather than a shortage of supply. Despite having enough stock, weak ground-level enforcement allows for illegal hoarding and the unsafe transport of fuel.”
Shafqat Bukhari
The persistent problem of fuel black marketing in Jammu & Kashmir continues to expose serious gaps in ground-level enforcement. Despite adequate supply and repeated warnings, incidents of illegal hoarding, unauthorised sale, and transportation of fuel in unsafe conditions keep surfacing. This is not a crisis of availability but a failure of regulation, where loopholes in monitoring allow unscrupulous elements to exploit the system and profit at the cost of ordinary consumers. The responsibility to curb such practices rests primarily with the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. However, its performance has remained underwhelming. The department, tasked with regulating essential commodities and ensuring fair distribution, appears to have fallen short in enforcing its own mandate. Reports of fuel being sold in bulk through illegal channels, stored in private spaces, and diverted for profiteering highlight a pattern of weak oversight and limited accountability. A major concern is the declining effectiveness of enforcement squads. These squads were designed to act as watchdogs—conducting inspections, monitoring supply chains, and taking swift action against violations. Yet today, their presence on the ground is hardly visible. The absence of regular checking drives, lack of strict penalties, and minimal deterrence have rendered them ineffective. What was once intended to be a strong enforcement arm now risks being seen as a “toothless tiger,” unable to prevent or control illegal activities. The consequences of this failure extend beyond economic loss. Black marketing of fuel creates artificial scarcity, forcing consumers to pay higher prices in times of uncertainty. It also poses significant safety risks. Fuel stored in unregulated conditions—often in residential areas or poorly secured locations—can lead to serious hazards, including fires and accidents. Such practices not only endanger lives but also erode public trust in regulatory institutions. What makes the situation more concerning is that these issues persist despite clear legal provisions and administrative frameworks already in place. This points to a gap between policy and implementation.
“Addressing fuel black marketing in Jammu & Kashmir necessitates a shift from passive monitoring to active, visible regulation. To rebuild public trust and eliminate illegal trade, the department must revitalize its enforcement machinery, prioritizing consistent ground-level action and accountability over mere intent.”
Without consistent enforcement, even the strongest regulations fail to deliver results. The need of the hour is not new rules, but better execution of existing ones. The way forward lies in strengthening enforcement at every level. The department must revive its squad system with urgency, ensuring that inspections are frequent, visible, and effective. Accountability mechanisms should be put in place so that lapses are identified and addressed promptly. Strict penalties for violators must be enforced to create a real deterrent against black marketing. At the same time, modern tools and technology can be leveraged to improve monitoring. Real-time tracking of fuel movement, digital record-keeping, and coordination with oil marketing companies can help detect irregularities early. Public awareness and grievance redressal mechanisms should also be strengthened so that citizens can report violations without fear. In conclusion, tackling fuel black marketing in Jammu & Kashmir requires a renewed focus on enforcement and accountability. The system must move from passive oversight to active regulation. By restoring the effectiveness of its enforcement machinery, the department can not only curb illegal practices but also rebuild public confidence. The solution lies not in intent alone, but in consistent and visible action on the ground.
