Fadnavis Warns Against Black Marketing of Fuel
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday warned against black marketing and hoarding of petrol and diesel on behalf of farmers as some parts of the state witnessed a 20 to 30 per cent increase in fuel demand. Mr. Fadnavis said he has instructed all district commissioners and district collectors to ensure adequate supply of diesel to farmers, especially ahead of the Kharif sowing season.
Reports from some parts of Marathwada and northern Maharashtra showed long queues at petrol pumps in Jalna, Hingoli and Buldhana districts due to growing concerns over diesel availability. It was reported that a fight broke out between citizens and petrol pump staff in Badnapur of Jalna district, and a fight broke out between farmers in Kalamnuri of Hingoli district.
In Dharangaon in Jalgaon district, people were seen waiting for diesel fuel at petrol pumps throughout the night, and some even ate on the premises while waiting for resupply.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Sanjay Shirsat visited a petrol pump at Sajapur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district following complaints of fuel shortage. It was reported that farmers made gherao to the minister and complained about non-availability of diesel since morning.
Mr. Shirsat immediately contacted the district collector and directed officials to resolve the issue and said farmers who had been waiting for several hours should be given priority in diesel supply.
According to a senior official, as of May 23, there was a stock of 1,35,359 KL of petrol and 2,56,621 KL of diesel in Maharashtra. Gasoline sales reached 14,882 KL and diesel sales reached 47,273 KL. Fresh revenues were recorded as 30,392 KL for gasoline and 32,679 KL for diesel.
“With this data, we can see that diesel consumption has increased due to farmers’ preparations for Kharif sowing. Diesel consumption is likely to increase further in the coming days,” the official said.
Responding to questions on the fuel situation, Mr. Fadnavis said authorities have been asked to closely monitor any unusual spikes in demand.
“I have directed all divisional commissioners and district collectors to ensure supply of diesel to farmers. If anyone is stocking fuel on behalf of farmers, caution should be exercised. A 20 to 30 per cent increase in demand has been noticed in some parts of the state and such a sudden increase raises suspicion,” he said.
He added that in some districts, authorities verify farmers’ RC books before supplying diesel to prevent misuse.
Meanwhile, in a move presented as part of austerity measures, Mr. Fadnavis traveled from Mumbai to Shirdi on the Vande Bharat Express for an official event. The Prime Minister said the decision is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for responsible use of resources and greater reliance on public transport.
During the journey, where official work was also carried out, Additional Chief Secretary Lokesh Chandra and Chief Secretary Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi accompanied the Prime Minister.
Speaking to reporters in Shirdi, Mr. Fadnavis said he enjoyed the train journey and interacted with the passengers. “We must follow the Prime Minister’s call wherever possible, because people will imitate it,” he said.
