Rumour-Driven Fuel Rush Pushes Diesel Sales Up 52% Across Maharashtra
Rumour-Driven Fuel Rush Pushes Diesel Sales Up 52% Across Maharashtra Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: May 26, 2026, 07:41 IST Petrol sales have increased
Rumour-Driven Fuel Rush Pushes Diesel Sales Up 52% Across Maharashtra Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: May 26, 2026, 07:41 IST Petrol sales have increased by nearly 23 per cent, while diesel demand has witnessed an even steeper jump of 52 per cent. Rapid Read Representative Image (ANI) The Maharashtra government on Monday moved to allay public fears over a possible fuel shortage, asserting that the state has adequate stocks of petrol and diesel and that there is no disruption in supply. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal appealed to citizens not to fall prey to rumours, even as panic-driven buying led to a sharp rise in fuel sales across several districts. Chairing a high-level review meeting at Mantralaya to assess the state’s fuel distribution network, Bhujbal said the sudden surge in sales was being driven largely by fear and misinformation rather than any actual shortage.
“Petrol and diesel stocks are sufficient across Maharashtra. There is absolutely no need for citizens to panic or resort to unnecessary stockpiling," Bhujbal said, while directing authorities and oil companies to intensify public awareness efforts to counter speculation. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar, State Rationing Controller Chandrakant Dange, and representatives of major oil marketing companies, attended the meeting to review the situation district-wise. Data presented during the review showed a substantial spike in daily fuel sales across the state. Petrol sales have increased by nearly 23 per cent, while diesel demand has witnessed an even steeper jump of 52 per cent. Among the districts reporting the sharpest increase in petrol sales were Akola (44 per cent), Buldhana (47 per cent), Jalna (49 per cent) and Wardha (43 per cent).
Diesel consumption has risen even more sharply in several regions, with some districts recording growth between 60 and 100 per cent, indicating large-scale precautionary purchases. Officials expressed concern that isolated local incidents and unverified social media messages may have triggered fears of an impending supply crunch, leading to excessive purchases and the risk of creating an artificial shortage. Bhujbal directed oil companies to launch district and taluka-level communication drives to reassure consumers and ensure real-time updates on fuel availability are disseminated widely. He also instructed local administrations to closely monitor unusual purchasing patterns and prevent hoarding or bulk stocking that could disrupt normal supply. The meeting also reviewed the availability of LPG and PNG, with officials confirming that gas supplies too remain stable and uninterrupted. The minister emphasised that coordinated efforts between oil companies and district administrations are underway to ensure an uninterrupted supply and maintain public confidence, urging citizens to rely only on official information and avoid spreading rumours.
News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 26, 2026, 07:41 IST News india Rumour-Driven Fuel Rush Pushes Diesel Sales Up 52% Across Maharashtra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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