Amid growing concerns over panic buying and reports of fuel stations running out of stock in several rural parts of Maharashtra after the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, state civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday clarified that there is no fuel crisis in the state. He stated that Maharashtra currently has enough reserves of petrol, diesel and kerosene to meet demand for at least one month. Bhujbal also said the government has not officially received complaints about shortages from any district so far. However, he assured citizens that if such complaints are reported, the administration would take immediate action to resolve the issue without delay across Maharashtra.
The minister’s statement came after reports emerged that fuel pumps in districts such as Pune, Palghar, Buldhana and Washim were facing supply disruptions, leading to dry pumps and long queues. In Buldhana, the shortage situation has reportedly continued for six straight days, causing anxiety among residents. Tension escalated further in Washim district on Saturday when a major clash broke out at a petrol pump after hundreds of people rushed to purchase fuel. Reports stated that nearly 400 to 500 people gathered at the station carrying vehicles and fuel cans soon after a tanker arrived to refill supplies at the premises.
During the fuel unloading operation at the Washim petrol pump, arguments reportedly erupted among people waiting in line, eventually turning violent. Some individuals allegedly attacked others using sticks and empty fuel cans amid the chaos. The rush for fuel was reportedly triggered by fears of worsening shortages and continuous price increases in petrol and diesel across Maharashtra. Fuel prices in the state have been raised twice within five days, with rates increasing by ₹3 per litre on May 15 and by another 90 paise on Tuesday. The uncertainty surrounding the prolonged conflict in West Asia has also added to public concerns over possible supply disruptions and future fuel availability in the country.
Also Read: Palghar News: Railway Employee Dies Under Suspicious Circumstances After Alleged Extortion Threats
Responding to the situation, Bhujbal dismissed claims that Maharashtra was facing an actual fuel shortage and maintained that supply levels remain stable. “We have fuel stock sufficient for one month, including diesel, petrol and kerosene. There may be some delays in transportation, but we have not received any complaints regarding the non-availability of fuel anywhere in the state. If we receive any complaints, they will be resolved immediately,” he said. The minister further linked the transportation disruptions to international developments involving the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. “The world is facing a shortage of fuel, but we should be grateful to Prime Minister Modi for ensuring that fuel supply in the country remains unaffected,” he said.