Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday assured citizens that there is no shortage of fuel in Maharashtra, even as panic buying led to a sharp rise in petrol and diesel sales across the state.
Speaking at a high-level review meeting on fuel distribution at Mantralaya in Mumbai, Bhujbal appealed to the public not to believe rumours or engage in unnecessary hoarding.
According to official data reviewed during the meeting, daily petrol sales in Maharashtra increased by around 23 per cent, while diesel sales surged by 52 per cent.
Statewide petrol consumption reached 21,312 kilolitres on Monday, compared to the normal daily average of 17,337 kilolitres.
Diesel consumption recorded a much steeper increase, climbing to 48,928 kilolitres against the May average of 32,252 kilolitres.
Major increase reported across districts
Officials said several districts witnessed unusually high fuel demand.
Petrol sales increased by:
– 44 per cent in Akola
– 47 per cent in Buldhana
– 49 per cent in Jalna
– 43 per cent in Wardha
Meanwhile, diesel demand rose sharply in several regions, with some districts recording increases between 60 and 100 per cent.
Nanded saw a 114 per cent increase in diesel sales, while diesel demand rose by 154 per cent in Akola, 105 per cent in Wardha and 85 per cent in Amravati.
Pune records highest petrol sales
Officials said Pune recorded the highest petrol sales in the state at 3,864 kilolitres, marking a 31 per cent rise over normal daily levels.
Diesel sales in Pune also increased by 37 per cent to 6,185 kilolitres.
In Nashik, petrol sales rose by 26 per cent and diesel by 70 per cent, while Thane recorded a 23 per cent rise in petrol demand and a 35 per cent increase in diesel sales.
Govt urges citizens not to hoard fuel
Bhujbal directed oil companies to launch awareness campaigns at district and taluka levels to reassure people that fuel stocks remain adequate and supplies are continuing normally.
He warned that rumours based on isolated incidents could create an artificial shortage if panic buying continues.
The minister also instructed local administrations and oil companies to monitor unusual buying patterns and prevent hoarding activities.
LPG and PNG supply also reviewed
During the meeting, Bhujbal also reviewed the availability and distribution of LPG and PNG gas supplies across the state.
He directed all concerned agencies to coordinate closely to ensure that citizens do not face inconvenience in fuel and gas supply.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar and State Rationing Controller Chandrakant Dange, attended the review meeting along with representatives from oil companies.
(with PTI inputs)
