Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, 25 May warned of strict action against anyone found hoarding petrol or diesel, as fuel shortages and panic-buying fears gripped parts of the state. The Chief Minister attributed four consecutive price hikes to the ongoing global crisis and urged citizens to remain calm.

Government's Warning and Directives

Addressing reporters, CM Fadnavis made a direct appeal: 'I urge the citizens not to engage in the panic-buying or hoarding of petrol and diesel.' He confirmed that the government would take stringent action against hoarders and has already issued directives to all District Collectors across Maharashtra to monitor fuel supply closely.

Collectors have been specifically instructed to ensure that diesel — critical for agricultural operations — is distributed systematically based on necessity. With the sowing season underway, the government flagged the particular vulnerability of farmers who depend on diesel for farm preparation work.

Situation on the Ground

Reports from Sambhajinagar district indicate that as many as 363 petrol pumps have shut down, allegedly due to a disruption in fuel supply, leaving the public in distress. However, the Petrol Pump Owners' Association clarified that 60 pumps under its purview had halted operations — a figure significantly lower than the wider reports circulating.

CM Fadnavis acknowledged that tensions have surfaced in isolated pockets but cautioned against overstating the scale. 'Occurrences in isolated areas are being blown out of proportion. However, we are actively working to ensure that even such minor incidents do not occur,' he said. Government sources confirmed that the situation is being monitored closely to prevent further panic and ensure the smooth supply of essential commodities.

Opposition Hits Out

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Rohit Pawar sharply criticised the state government over the disruption. In a post on X, he said: 'Due to the lack of supply of diesel and petrol right from the source, farmers are not getting diesel at petrol pumps, as a result, farm preparation work has come to a standstill right at the onset of the sowing season. In Jalgaon district, with the fuel stock completely depleted, long queues have formed at pumps since last night.'

Pawar further alleged broader governance failures, stating: 'The situation is the same across the entire state, but the state government still does not seem to have woken up to it. Paper leaks, fuel shortages, inflation, atrocities against women — such bizarre conditions prevail everywhere, and nothing is alright. Seeing the insensitivity of both the central and state governments, one cannot help but be reminded of Nero fiddling while Rome burns.'

What Happens Next

District Collectors are expected to submit situation reports as the government attempts to stabilise supply chains before the sowing season peaks. The discrepancy between reported pump closures — 363 versus the association's figure of 60 — remains unresolved, and independent verification is awaited. How quickly supply normalises will determine whether the current anxiety escalates into a wider crisis.