MUMBAI: Amid concerns over global geopolitical tensions affecting energy supply chains, the Maharashtra government on Friday issued a statewide advisory warning against panic buying, hoarding and unauthorised fuel transactions, while asserting that petrol and diesel stocks remain adequate across the state.The circular, issued by the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department, follows a sharp surge in fuel demand and reports of industrial consumers purchasing diesel from retail fuel stations instead of authorised bulk supply channels.According to data cited by the government, petrol demand during May 2026 rose by 18.54% and diesel demand by 22.3% compared with the corresponding period last year, even as bulk diesel sales registered a significant decline. Officials suspect that some commercial and industrial consumers are sourcing fuel from retail pumps because bulk diesel is currently costlier than retail supplies.The government said such practices are putting pressure on fuel meant for ordinary consumers and warned that unauthorised purchase, sale, storage and transportation of petroleum products could invite legal action under the Essential Commodities Act, Petroleum Act and other applicable laws.The advisory directs district administrations, supply department officials and police authorities to intensify inspections at petrol pumps and monitor unusual spikes in fuel sales. Any retail outlet showing a sudden and statistically abnormal rise in petrol or diesel sales will be subjected to immediate scrutiny. For consumers, the government’s message is unequivocal: there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in Maharashtra and citizens should not purchase or stock fuel out of fear generated by rumours. Local administrations have been instructed to regularly communicate this assurance through media and public outreach. The circular also contains a strong warning for bulk consumers such as factories, infrastructure companies, logistics operators and large commercial establishments. Such entities have been told to procure fuel directly through oil marketing companies’ bulk supply or direct sales systems rather than retail petrol pumps. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that retail pumps do not supply fuel to bulk consumers. If violations are detected, action can be initiated against both the purchaser and the fuel station operator. Transporters and tanker operators are also under the scanner. Officials have been ordered to crack down on unauthorised fuel tankers, bowsers and vehicles transporting petroleum products without valid invoices, delivery challans or mandatory explosive safety certifications. The government has further directed enforcement agencies to watch for fuel hoarding, black marketing, diversion of fuel intended for retail consumers, unauthorised filling of tankers from retail outlets, repeated filling of drums and barrels, fuel adulteration, leakage, illegal transfers, overcharging and sale of substandard petroleum products. At the same time, the circular stresses that genuine users should not face disruption. Diesel supplies for agriculture, hospitals and registered fishing vessels are to be maintained without hindrance after appropriate verification of requirements. District administrations have also been asked to coordinate closely with oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum, to identify supply-chain irregularities and sudden demand spikes. Daily reports on inspections, seizures and action taken against violators will be submitted to the state government.
