CM Devendra Fadnavis Warns Action Against Fuel Hoarders As Maharashtra Monitors Supply

Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the state government is closely monitoring fuel supply and distribution networks amid reports of unusual spikes in retail consumption and suspected hoarding. Addressing the media after the weekly cabinet meeting, he stated that both the Food and Civil Supplies Department and the Home Department are jointly tracking supply chains to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol and diesel across Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present during the briefing.

Fadnavis said the state has recorded a significant rise in fuel consumption beyond normal seasonal trends, with petrol distribution increasing by 23 per cent and diesel by 52 per cent. He noted that certain districts have shown unusually high spikes, including Akola, which registered a 154 per cent increase, while regions such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Bhandara, Buldhana, Gondia, and Hingoli reported increases of up to 70 per cent. The government is now analysing whether the surge is due to genuine demand or diversion of fuel for non-retail or commercial purposes.

The Chief Minister said authorities suspect possible hoarding and diversion of fuel, and investigations are underway to verify supply patterns between retail and commercial segments. He emphasised that the administration is ensuring that retail consumers, including farmers and households, receive adequate fuel supply without disruption. Officials from public sector oil companies have also assured the state government that sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available across depots and fuel stations, and that supply chains are being continuously replenished.

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On the issue of agricultural distress, Fadnavis also addressed the ongoing onion price crisis affecting key producing regions of Maharashtra. He criticised the Opposition for politicising the issue and said the government is actively working with the Centre to provide relief to farmers. He confirmed that a high-level meeting has been scheduled with the Union government to review procurement and market intervention measures for onion growers, particularly in light of falling prices and production challenges.

The onion-producing belt, including Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and parts of Marathwada, has been facing significant distress despite high output this season. Wholesale prices in several Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) have reportedly fallen to as low as ₹0.50 to ₹1 per kg for lower-grade produce, while premium varieties are fetching only ₹12 to ₹15 per kg. This comes against production costs estimated between ₹18 and ₹20 per kg, leading to heavy financial losses for farmers despite a bumper harvest of 165–170 lakh metric tonnes.

Fadnavis said the Centre has already increased onion procurement support rates and further policy measures are under discussion to stabilise prices and protect farmers’ incomes. He reiterated that both state and central governments are committed to addressing the crisis through coordinated intervention while ensuring that fuel supply remains stable and accessible to consumers across Maharashtra.

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