Maharashtra CM Issues Stern Warning On Fuel Hoarding Amid Rural Shortages And Rising Demand

On May 23, 2026, while attending an event in Shirdi, CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns over fuel shortages in rural Maharashtra. He directed district collectors and divisional commissioners to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply for farmers and issued a stern warning against hoarding and black marketing.

Rising Fuel Demand

• Maharashtra recorded a 20–30% surge in petrol and diesel sales in the first half of May.
• Panic buying was triggered by fears of supply disruptions linked to the West Asia energy crisis.
• Long queues and scuffles were reported at petrol pumps in Jalna, Hingoli, Buldhana, and Jalgaon districts.
• Farmers in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar gheraoed a minister over non-availability of diesel.

Government Measures

• Fadnavis instructed district collectors and divisional commissioners to prioritize diesel supply for farmers.
• Verification protocols, including checking vehicle registration certificates, are being implemented to prevent hoarding.
• Maharashtra’s fuel stocks as of May 23 stood at 1,35,359 KL of petrol and 2,56,621 KL of diesel, with fresh receipts of 30,392 KL petrol and 32,679 KL diesel.
• Authorities are closely monitoring unusual spikes in demand to detect artificial scarcity.

Farmers’ Concerns

• Farmers reported waiting overnight at petrol pumps for diesel supplies.
• In some districts, citizens had meals at pump premises while awaiting fuel.
• The state government assured that ample stocks exist and urged citizens to avoid panic buying.

Fuel Supply Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Maharashtra recorded a 20–30% spike in fuel demand in May

•⁠  ⁠Panic buying linked to fears of West Asia supply disruptions

•⁠  ⁠CM Fadnavis warned against hoarding and black marketing of fuel

•⁠  ⁠Diesel supply prioritized for farmers ahead of Kharif sowing season

•⁠  ⁠Verification protocols introduced to prevent misuse of agricultural fuel quotas

•⁠  ⁠State fuel stocks remain adequate with fresh receipts arriving

Sources: The Hindu, The Week, Deccan Chronicle, ET EnergyWorld, Mid-Day, The Economic Times, NewKerala, Lokmat