Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtra's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister, addressed concerns on May 25, 2026, regarding the state's fuel supply, assuring the public that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. His statement came in response to growing panic buying triggered by widespread rumors. Minister Bhujbal emphasized that these rumors have led to a marked increase in fuel consumption across the state, with reports indicating petrol sales surged by approximately 23% and diesel sales by an alarming 52%.
During a review meeting on fuel distribution attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar and State Rationing Controller Chandrakant Dange, Bhujbal highlighted the district-specific spikes in fuel sales. For instance, districts like Buldhana and Jalna reported increases of 47% and 49% respectively in petrol sales, while diesel sales saw rises between 60% and 100% in some areas. This significant uptick in consumption has raised concerns about potential fuel hoarding.
- Public awareness campaigns — Bhujbal instructed oil companies to initiate campaigns to inform citizens about the sufficient fuel reserves.
- Monitoring fuel purchases — Local administrations were directed to keep an eye on bulk buying to prevent artificial shortages.
- Coordination among authorities — All relevant bodies were urged to work together to ensure smooth fuel distribution and availability.
In light of the situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also spoke out, warning that strict actions would be taken against anyone caught hoarding fuel. He pointed to the recent hikes in fuel prices as a consequence of a global crisis, which has contributed to the fears of a fuel shortage. In a public appeal, he urged citizens to avoid panic buying and assured them that the government is monitoring the situation closely.
Minister Bhujbal's reassurances come at a critical time, as the government seeks to quell fears and stabilize the market. He reiterated the importance of maintaining calm among the populace and ensuring that misinformation does not lead to unnecessary disruptions. The emphasis on continuous communication regarding fuel availability is intended to restore public confidence and prevent further escalation of panic buying.
