Mumbai: The state has witnessed a 23% increase in daily petrol sales and a 52% surge in daily diesel sales compared to average daily consumption, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday. While retail sales have soared, commercial fuel sales have declined, raising suspicions that businesses are purchasing petrol and diesel from the retail market, where prices are lower.
CM Orders Investigation
Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the suspected hoarding and diversion of petrol and diesel from the retail market for commercial purposes. This diversion is putting pressure on the retail fuel supply. “The food and civil supplies department and the home department will jointly take action in this matter,” he said.
Highlighting regional spikes, the CM noted: “In Akola, sales have surged by 154%. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Chandrapur, Buldhana, Gondia, and Hingoli, sales have increased by 70%.”
Fadnavis added: “There is demand for diesel from farmers and it is being met, but some are taking undue advantage. Hoarding is occurring, and efforts are underway to stop it.”
Minister Blames Shift to Retail Sector
State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal of the NCP also stated on Tuesday that the shift of commercial fuel purchases to the retail sector is a key factor behind the rise in petrol and diesel sales. “We have observed that commercial sales have not increased, but retail sales have surged. This indicates that commercial buyers are shifting to retail to save money. We have directed action against such commercial establishments,” Bhujbal said.
He further explained that in districts with significant retail sales increases, bills of commercial establishments will be examined to verify their fuel sources. He emphasized that the state has adequate fuel stocks.
Fuel Price Hikes and Political Criticism
The opposition has criticized the BJP-led central government over rising fuel prices. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were raised again on Monday. Petrol increased from Rs 108.49 per litre to Rs 111.21, a rise of Rs 2.72. Diesel moved from Rs 95.02 to Rs 97.83 per litre, up by Rs 2.81. According to industry representatives, the latest revision brings the cumulative increase to about Rs 8 per litre over 11 days, following four consecutive hikes.
