Fed Up With Diesel Shortage, Farmers Block Nagpur-Pune H’way In Buldhana

Buldhana: Angry farmers blocked the Nagpur-Pune-Mumbai national highway for over 90 minutes on Saturday in Buldhana district, protesting shortage of diesel that has disrupted agricultural activities ahead of the upcoming sowing season.The protest was held at Mera Phata in Chikhli tehsil, where farmers parked tractors across the highway, bringing traffic between Khamgaon and Jalna to a complete standstill. Long queues of vehicles were seen stranded on both sides of the road under scorching heat, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.Farmers alleged that despite waiting in queues at fuel stations since Friday night, they were unable to procure diesel, triggering widespread anger. Raising slogans against the govt, the protesters demanded immediate supply of diesel and arrangements for distribution through containers and other alternative means to meet urgent agricultural needs."We have been standing in line for hours, but there is no diesel. How are we supposed to carry out farming activities?" one of the protesting farmers said.Traffic movement was severely affected during the protest, though officials later managed to ease the blockade after discussions with the agitating farmers.Meanwhile, amid reports of fuel scarcity and panic buying, district authorities swung into action. District collector Praveenkumar Deore conducted surprise inspections at multiple petrol pumps across the district to assess the availability of petrol and diesel and review the supply chain.During the inspections, the collector interacted with pump operators, examined stock registers, and ordered verification of fuel levels in underground storage tanks. Officials from oil companies and the district supply department were also consulted to ensure that adequate fuel stocks are maintained in the coming days.The administration maintained that there is no actual shortage of fuel and attributed the situation to rumours circulating on social media, which led to panic buying and long queues at fuel stations."The district has sufficient stock of petrol and diesel, and supply from oil companies is regular. Citizens are requested not to believe rumours and to purchase fuel only as per requirement," Deore said.He also warned that strict action would be taken against any petrol pump found indulging in hoarding or creating artificial shortages, including cancellation of licences.Superintendent of police Nilesh Tambe said adequate police deployment has been made at petrol pumps and sensitive locations to prevent law and order issues. He cautioned that any attempt to disrupt public order or encourage hoarding would invite strict legal action.