Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday assured farmers that the state government would ensure uninterrupted diesel supply in rural areas amid reports of fuel shortages and panic buying triggered by the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Shirdi, Fadnavis acknowledged that petrol and diesel were currently not readily available in some rural regions and said district administrations had been directed to take immediate corrective measures.
“Petrol and diesel are not available in rural areas right now. In this regard, I have issued instructions to all district collectors and divisional commissioners that wherever necessary, diesel should be made available to farmers,” the Chief Minister said.
Fadnavis also issued a strong warning against black-marketing of fuel in the name of farmers, noting that certain parts of Maharashtra had witnessed a sudden surge in fuel purchases.
“Some areas have seen a 20 to 30 per cent spike in fuel sales. Action will be taken against anyone involved in black-marketing,” he cautioned.
According to officials, Maharashtra recorded nearly a 20 per cent rise in petrol and diesel sales during the first fortnight of May due to panic buying amid fears of possible supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.
The Chief Minister had travelled to Shirdi to attend the inauguration of a defence and aerospace complex. During the visit, he also praised the Vande Bharat train service, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gifted the country a world-class transport experience comparable to developed nations.
“I enjoyed the experience very much. During the journey, I cleared files and met many people. It was a completely different and very good experience,” Fadnavis said.
Speaking about the newly inaugurated defence complex in Shirdi, the Chief Minister said the temple town had evolved into a symbol of both spirituality and strength.
“Shirdi has now emerged as a centre of strength. Devotion and strength are integrated in Indian spirituality. Only those who are powerful can establish peace. The weak can never establish peace,” he remarked.
