Mumbai

Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday assured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in Maharashtra and urged people not to indulge in panic-buying amid rumours linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis.

The minister’s clarification came after several districts in the state witnessed an unusual surge in fuel purchases, with diesel sales jumping by 42 per cent and petrol sales by 21 per cent in a single day compared to normal averages.

Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Bhujbal said both the Centre and the Maharashtra government were fully prepared to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies across the state.

“There is no fuel shortage in Maharashtra. People should not panic and stock extra petrol or diesel,” he said.

According to the Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, petrol sales during the first half of May increased by 20.39 per cent, while diesel sales rose by 19.66 per cent compared to regular consumption patterns.

Officials said the sharpest spike was recorded on May 19, when diesel sales rose by 42 per cent and petrol sales by 21 per cent above average daily figures.

“Despite the temporary surge in demand, fuel supply remained uninterrupted and all requirements were met,” the department said in a statement.

Bhujbal appealed to citizens to buy fuel only as per requirement and cooperate with authorities in preventing unnecessary panic.

District-wise figures showed significant increases in fuel purchases across parts of Maharashtra. Washim recorded the highest increase in petrol sales at 42 per cent, followed by Jalgaon at 40 per cent.

Diesel sales saw the steepest rise in Akola, where consumption jumped by 111 per cent, while Washim registered a 109 per cent increase.

Jalgaon reported a 72 per cent rise in diesel sales, followed by Beed at 63 per cent and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 49 per cent.

The department said districts including Akola, Beed, Buldhana, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Latur, Dharashiv and Parbhani experienced unusually high fuel demand during the period.

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Authorities reiterated that adequate stocks are available and urged the public not to rely on rumours regarding fuel availability.