Maharashtra Fuel Crisis: District Collectors Reverse Rationing Orders Amid CNG Protests
In a swift reversal, district collectors in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna districts withdrew their fuel rationing orders within just 24 hours of implementation. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Collector Dileep Swami and Jalna District Collector Ashima Mittal officially rescinded their directives on Saturday, citing adequate fuel supplies to meet vehicular demand in their respective jurisdictions.
Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Protest Sparks Immediate Action
The decision came following significant unrest among auto rickshaw drivers, who took to the streets in protest over severe CNG shortages and escalating fuel prices. Early Friday morning, a group of frustrated drivers blocked the busy Jalna Road in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's Chikalthana area, creating substantial traffic disruptions before police intervention cleared the stretch.
Authorities confirmed that additional security arrangements have been deployed to prevent further law and order situations. The protest highlighted growing desperation among drivers facing increasingly difficult working conditions.
Severe CNG Shortages and Price Hikes Cripple Drivers
The ground reality reveals a deepening crisis for auto rickshaw operators. For several days, drivers have been enduring hours-long queues at the city's limited CNG outlets, with only two stations remaining operational. This scarcity has created severe congestion and operational challenges.
Compounding the problem, CNG prices have surged dramatically over the past fortnight, jumping from approximately Rs 61 per kilogram to nearly Rs 90. This sharp increase has significantly eroded drivers' earnings, with many reporting monthly income reductions of around Rs 3,000 after accounting for expenses.
"We are working extended hours but earning substantially less," explained one driver waiting in queue. "The financial strain is becoming unbearable for our families who depend on daily income."Late-Night Queues and Extended Work Hours
The severity of the situation is particularly evident during late-night hours at CNG stations, where queues of autos stretch for hundreds of meters. Drivers report waiting four to five hours for refills, with many opting for nighttime queuing to avoid losing precious daytime business opportunities.
This practice has pushed daily work hours to an exhausting 14–15 hours for many operators. "There is absolutely no certainty about fuel availability," lamented another driver. "If we fail to secure CNG today, we must repeat the hours-long wait tomorrow, directly threatening our livelihood sustainability."
Operational Challenges and Household Impact
Auto drivers explained that a single CNG refill typically lasts just four to five days, making timely access absolutely crucial. With families dependent on daily earnings, refueling delays are directly impacting household budgets and financial stability.
Several operators pointed out that a substantial portion of their working hours is now consumed by waiting in fuel queues rather than transporting passengers. This operational inefficiency further reduces their earning potential during an already challenging period.
Panic Buying and Official Response
The situation has been exacerbated by fears of impending fuel shortages, triggering panic buying and preemptive queuing. Although authorities maintain that sufficient fuel stocks exist, the ground reality remains strained, with drivers continuing to struggle for reliable CNG access.
Police officials confirmed they are closely monitoring the developing situation and have increased deployment around fuel stations to prevent additional disruptions. The combination of supply concerns, price volatility, and operational challenges has created a perfect storm for Maharashtra's auto rickshaw community, prompting the rapid policy reversal by district authorities.
