Fuel On Fire: Chaotic scenes at pumps as motorists rush to secure petrol, diesel

Buldhana: Fuel stations across Buldhana, Akola and Washim districts are under pressure as "panic buying" and seasonal farm demand are triggering crowding and chaos. Consumers, particularly in rural areas, are anxious because diesel is essential for agricultural work ahead of the Kharif season. Petrol pump operators say sales have jumped 30-40% in recent days, straining supply chains.A video circulating on social media, reportedly from Kamalja Petrol Pump in Lonar town (Buldhana), shows a tense scene after rumours spread that diesel was running out. When a tanker arrived and unloading began, the management erected barricades nearly 50 feet from the premises to control the crowd. Once the barricades were removed, dozens of people rushed towards the pump, many carrying plastic cans, creating a near-stampede situation. Long queues of tractors outside the station highlighted the urgency among farmers preparing fields for sowing.Similar reports of crowding and difficulty obtaining diesel have emerged from parts of Washim and Akola, although officials and dealers insist overall supply remains stable and any disruption is temporary. In Washim's rural belt, farmers have been lining up with tractors and cans, with scuffles and heated arguments reported at some locations.Tensions escalated at a petrol pump at Pimprala Phata on the Khamgaon–Akola road, where CCTV footage captured motorists allegedly attempting to attack staff after being denied fuel. Police said the accused were armed with a sword and a sickle. A pump employee, Sagar Dilip Aachar, was injured and taken to hospital. Khamgaon Rural Police arrested two persons Akshay Jadhav and Chetan Jadhav for the assault. The weapons too have been seized.Petroleum dealers have appealed to the public not to hoard fuel, stressing there is no overall shortage. Rahul Rathi, president of the Akola Petrol Dealers Association, said the situation is being driven largely by fear after advisories, rising prices and talk of possible shortages. He added that Kharif-related farm activity has sharply increased diesel demand.In Akola, which hosts major depots supplying Vidarbha and Marathwada, availability is comparatively better, but demand from nearby districts is stretching retail stocks. A pump operator, Mohammad Rehan Mohammad Rafiq, called it a panic-driven rush rather than a supply collapse.Farmers describe travelling long distances to secure diesel. Dhananjay Gangawane from Dhepud village in Washim rode nearly 80 km to Barsi Takli in Akola after failing at multiple pumps near home. He said he finally bought Rs1,000 worth of diesel but spent Rs200 on petrol to reach the station. Others reported visiting several pumps before finding diesel in Akola.