On May 25, 2026, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a stern warning regarding the hoarding of fuel amid alarming price increases. He attributed the recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices to ongoing global crises, which have led to heightened concerns about fuel shortages. During a press conference, CM Fadnavis implored citizens not to succumb to panic buying, stressing that such behaviors could exacerbate the situation.
He emphasized that the government would take stringent action against anyone found hoarding fuel, aiming to maintain order and ensure fair distribution. This directive comes in response to escalating fears of fuel shortages, particularly as many depend on diesel for agricultural operations. The Chief Minister has instructed all District Collectors to monitor fuel supplies closely and manage distribution effectively.
- Strict action against hoarding — Fadnavis warns of consequences for those stockpiling fuel.
- Monitoring by District Collectors — Collectors are tasked with ensuring systematic diesel distribution.
- Panic buying discouraged — Citizens urged to avoid creating unnecessary shortages.
Despite some tension reported in isolated locations, CM Fadnavis reassured the public that the situation is not widespread. He noted that while a few areas have experienced disturbances, the government is actively working to prevent these incidents from escalating. Reports from Sambhajinagar district indicated that several petrol pumps had closed due to supply issues, causing distress among residents.
Critics, including NCP(SP) legislator Rohit Pawar, have publicly condemned the state government’s handling of the fuel supply crisis. Pawar highlighted the impact on farmers, stating that the lack of fuel has stalled agricultural preparations, particularly as the sowing season approaches. His comments reflect a growing frustration with the government's response to the ongoing fuel crisis, drawing parallels to historical instances of governmental neglect.
