Adequate supply of petrol-diesel available in Maharashtra: CM Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai, May 20
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that there is an adequate quantity of petrol and diesel in the state and urged the public not to indulge in panic buying.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said that panic buying disrupts the supply chain and may cause a shortage of fuel.
"The supply of petrol-diesel that is available to Maharashtra is being provided in whatever quantity is needed. The panic that arises due to mere rumours disrupts the supply chain because the supply chain is built based on years of experience. When suddenly, due to rumours, people start lining up and filling more petrol-diesel than necessary, it causes problems in the supply chain at such times and leads to a shortage in supply. There is no need to panic," he said.
This comes amid a global energy crisis in the wake of the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Following a Rs 3 per litre hike on May 15, the petrol and diesel rates were increased by an average of 90 paise per litre. Mumbai witnessed a price hike of 91 paise for petrol, bringing it to Rs 107.59 per litre, while its diesel price increased by 94 paise, which stood at Rs 94.08 per litre.
However, the Centre has maintained that India has an adequate supply of fuel. On May 18, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that India has successfully avoided shortages of crude oil, LPG and pipeline gas despite facing disruptions caused by two major wars in the world over the last four years.
Speaking during an interaction with the media in Varanasi, the minister said the ongoing conflict in West Asia has created fresh challenges for the global energy sector and international supply chains.
"Look at the war going on in West Asia today, it is about to complete nearly 80 days. This conflict started on February 28. In the last four years, this is the second major war. Earlier, the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022, and now this conflict has been continuing for the last 80 days," Puri said.
"Because of this, many new challenges emerged. But I am happy to tell you that India is one such country in the world where we did not allow any shortage of crude oil, pipeline gas or LPG," the minister added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
With petrol already at ₹107+ in Mumbai, the last thing we need is more price hikes. The global crisis is real, but why are common citizens bearing the brunt? The government should ensure stable prices, not just adequate supply. My auto driver neighbour is really struggling. 😔
I appreciate the CM's reassurance, but Hardeep Singh Puri's claim about no shortages needs scrutiny. We had LPG price hikes last year, and petrol has been rising steadily. The real issue is our over-dependence on imported oil. We need to accelerate EV adoption and renewable energy—otherwise, every global conflict will hurt us.
As someone from the US who lives in Mumbai, I've seen how panic buying works both here and abroad. The CM's warning is spot-on: when everyone rushes to fill tanks, it creates artificial scarcity. But the government must also communicate better—clear data on stock levels would calm nerves. Trust but verify, as they say.
Bhai, the real issue is that petrol prices have crossed ₹107 in Mumbai. Even if supply is adequate, common man's pocket is burning. The government should reduce excise duty temporarily. I remember when petrol was ₹70 during UPA times (adjusted for inflation, still lower). Give us relief! 🛢️💰
I work in logistics and can confirm—the supply chain is robust. Panic buying causes more harm than any global conflict right now. But the government should also cap prices or provide subsidies for transport workers who are hit hardest. My diesel truck costs have gone up 15% this month.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.