Maharashtra Government Urges Citizens Not To Panic Buy Petrol And Diesel
The Maharashtra government on Friday issued a statewide advisory urging citizens not to panic-buy or hoard petrol and diesel, assuring the public that there is no fuel shortage across the state.
The circular, issued by the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department, follows a sharp surge in fuel demand and reports of industrial consumers purchasing diesel from retail fuel stations instead of authorised bulk supply channels.
According to data cited by the government, petrol demand during May 2026 rose by 18.54 percent and diesel demand by 22.3 percent compared with the corresponding period last year, even as bulk diesel sales registered a significant decline.
Officials suspect that some commercial and industrial consumers are sourcing fuel from retail pumps because bulk diesel is currently costlier than retail supplies. The government stated that such practices are putting pressure on fuel meant for ordinary consumers.
The state government warned that unauthorised purchase, sale, storage, and transportation of petroleum products could invite legal action under the Essential Commodities Act, Petroleum Act, and other applicable laws.
To curb these practices, the advisory directs district administrations, supply department officials, and police authorities to intensify inspections at petrol pumps and monitor unusual spikes in fuel sales. Any retail outlet showing a sudden and statistically abnormal rise in petrol or diesel sales will face immediate scrutiny.
For consumers, the government delivered an unequivocal message that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in Maharashtra, advising citizens not to purchase or stock fuel out of fear generated by rumours. Local administrations have been instructed to regularly communicate this assurance through media and public outreach.
The circular also issued a strong warning to bulk consumers, such as factories, infrastructure companies, logistics operators, and large commercial establishments. These entities have been told to procure fuel directly through oil marketing companies' bulk supply or direct sales systems rather than retail petrol pumps.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure that retail pumps do not supply fuel to bulk consumers. If violations are detected, action can be initiated against both the purchaser and the fuel station operator.
