Mumbai: Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday indicated an unusual increase in demand for petrol and diesel across the state, saying the government suspected hoarding and was investigating whether the fuel was being illegally diverted for commercial use.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said that while additional supplies are being sent through fuel pumps, the government is investigating whether fuel meant for regular retail consumption is being hoarded or diverted for unauthorized commercial use.
“In the case of petrol, the demand is 23 percent higher than the average consumption, while the demand for diesel has increased by 52 percent. Despite the supply of additional quantities through petrol pumps, a shortage-like situation is emerging,” he said.
Fadnavis said that unusual increases in consumption had been recorded in several districts, noting that in Akola, consumption has increased by 154 per cent, while in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Beed, it has increased by more than 70 per cent.
“One side shows an abnormal increase in average consumption of petrol and diesel, while commercial fuel consumption has decreased slightly. We need to verify whether the increase in normal fuel consumption is being diverted towards commercial use,” he added.
The prime minister said the government was trying to ensure an adequate supply of oil to farmers, but alleged that “some people are taking unfair advantage of the situation”.
“There are indications of hoarding. The fuel supply department and the housing department will now together take action. We have issued directives because the demand for oil has increased by 52 percent and we are still meeting this demand. This means hoarding is happening somewhere and we are trying to stop it,” he said.
Talking about onion prices, Fadnavis said the Center had raised the procurement price by Rs 3.50 to nearly Rs 15 per kg and started large-scale procurement operations.
“We have requested that the Center hold a meeting on this issue. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening,” he said, adding that both the state and central governments have intervened in the onion market.
Fadnavis accused opposition leaders of politicizing the onion issue and staging protests for “photo opportunities”.
He asserted that the government was aware that additional long-term measures would be required to tackle the onion issue and efforts would be made to find a solution during the meeting with the Centre.
Referring to the protests in Nashik over onion prices, Fadnavis said, “The protest where roads are being blocked seems to be just a photo opportunity. Eyes that never shed tears while cutting onions are shedding tears and blocking roads for photos,” he said.
