A dispute erupted among farmers at a petrol pump in Maharashtra’s Akola district over fuel availability, just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to conserve fuel amid global uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Videos circulating on social media, shared by X user Sudhir Suryawanshi, captured a chaotic scene where several farmers engaged in heated arguments that soon turned violent. Around six to seven men carrying fuel containers were seen shoving, slapping and attacking each other while a large crowd gathered around the fuel station. The incident quickly drew public attention online across Maharashtra and nearby regions.
The visuals showed the confrontation intensifying as tempers flared among the farmers waiting to collect fuel for tractors and agricultural work. Despite the growing violence, many bystanders remained at a distance and watched the situation unfold instead of intervening. As the fight became more aggressive, some people near the petrol pump moved away fearing further escalation. According to information shared alongside the viral clips, the farmers had assembled at the station to secure diesel and petrol essential for farming operations. With the agricultural season approaching, fuel demand has increased significantly, especially for tilling, irrigation and transportation activities in rural areas across the district recently.
The exact trigger behind the clash has not yet been confirmed, though the altercation has gained attention because it occurred shortly after the Prime Minister’s nationwide appeal for fuel conservation. Speaking at a BJP public gathering held at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on May 10, PM Modi urged citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and adopt cost-saving habits during a period of global instability. He advised people to use public transport whenever possible, revive work-from-home arrangements, avoid unnecessary shopping and reduce foreign travel to help preserve foreign exchange reserves. The Prime Minister highlighted how ongoing international conflicts and disruptions in global supply chains were affecting economies, including India’s economic stability and daily expenses.
During his address, PM Modi stressed that responsible citizenship was equally important as patriotism during challenging times for the nation. He said serving the country was not limited to sacrificing one’s life, but also involved fulfilling civic responsibilities and making practical lifestyle changes for the larger national interest. The Prime Minister encouraged people to depend more on Metro rail networks and other forms of public transport to reduce petrol and diesel usage. He also recommended carpooling wherever private vehicles were necessary, promoting railway transport for goods movement and increasing the use of electric vehicles. According to him, collective public participation would help India manage economic and energy-related challenges more effectively.