22 May,2026 01:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal
Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday said the state has adequate stocks of petrol and diesel and urged citizens not to resort to panic buying amid rumours of a possible fuel shortage.
The statement was issued by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department of the Government of Maharashtra following a sharp rise in fuel purchases across the state over the past few days.
Speaking to reporters, Bhujbal said there is no shortage of fuel in Maharashtra despite concerns arising from the evolving international situation and fluctuations in fuel prices.
According to official data released by the department, diesel sales during the first fortnight of May 2026 increased by 19.66 per cent, while petrol sales rose by 20.39 per cent compared to normal levels, largely due to panic buying trends.
The data further showed that on May 19 alone, diesel sales surged by 42 per cent and petrol sales by 21 per cent over average daily sales figures.
Despite the temporary spike in demand, the department said fuel supplies remained uninterrupted and all consumer demand was fully met across Maharashtra.
"The Prime Minister, the Central Government and the State Government are fully capable of ensuring adequate fuel supply for every citizen. There is no need to store excess fuel due to rumours or panic," Bhujbal said.
The department also shared district-wise figures highlighting a significant rise in fuel purchases in several parts of the state.
Among the districts, Akola recorded a 111 per cent increase in diesel sales and a 28 per cent rise in petrol sales on May 19 compared to average daily sales. Washim witnessed a 109 per cent jump in diesel sales and a 42 per cent increase in petrol sales, while Jalgaon reported a 72 per cent rise in diesel sales and a 40 per cent increase in petrol sales.
Other districts that registered notable increases included Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Buldhana, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Dharashiv and Parbhani.
Bhujbal appealed to citizens to remain calm and avoid purchasing fuel beyond their immediate requirements, stating that unnecessary hoarding could create avoidable pressure on the supply system.
He urged the public to cooperate with the administration and continue purchasing fuel only as per regular needs to ensure smooth distribution across the state.
