The Maharashtra government on Friday issued a statewide advisory cautioning against panic buying, hoarding, and unauthorized fuel transactions, amid concerns over global geopolitical tensions affecting energy supply chains. The state assured that petrol and diesel stocks remain adequate.
Reason for Advisory
The circular, released 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 authorized bulk supply channels. According to government data, petrol demand in May 2026 rose by 18.54% and diesel demand by 22.3% compared to the same period last year, while bulk diesel sales saw a significant decline. Officials suspect commercial and industrial consumers are sourcing fuel from retail pumps because bulk diesel is currently costlier than retail supplies.
Legal Action Against Violations
The government stated that such practices strain fuel meant for ordinary consumers and warned that unauthorized 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 to intensify inspections at petrol pumps and monitor unusual spikes in fuel sales. Any retail outlet showing a sudden abnormal rise in petrol or diesel sales will face immediate scrutiny.
Reassurance to Consumers
For consumers, the government's message is clear: there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in Maharashtra, and citizens should not purchase or stock fuel out of fear generated by rumors. Local administrations have been instructed to regularly communicate this assurance through media and public outreach.
Restrictions on Bulk Consumers
The circular contains a strong warning for bulk consumers such as factories, infrastructure companies, logistics operators, and large commercial establishments. They must procure fuel directly through oil marketing companies' bulk supply or direct sales systems, not from retail petrol pumps. Authorities have been instructed to ensure 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.
Crackdown on Transporters
Transporters and tanker operators are also under scrutiny. Officials have been ordered to crack down on unauthorized 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, unauthorized filling of tankers from retail outlets, repeated filling of drums and barrels, fuel adulteration, leakage, illegal transfers, overcharging, and sale of substandard petroleum products.
Exceptions for Genuine Users
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 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.
