The Maharashtra government has initiated action against the hoarding of fuel — petrol and diesel — even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the state administration to identify the reasons for the rise in fuel demand and directed stern action against those found erring.

A sudden spike in fuel demand has prompted the government to monitor the situation closely. The CM, who observed unusual spikes in consumption in several districts, claimed that Maharashtra has witnessed a sharp 52 per cent rise in fuel demand.