Maharashtra recorded a sharp rise in petrol and diesel sales during the first half of May 2026 as panic buying triggered by fears over possible fuel supply disruptions led to unusually high demand across several districts, reported the PTI.

According to the Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, diesel sales increased by 19.66 per cent, while petrol sales rose by 20.39 per cent during the first fortnight of May, the news agency reported.