Fresh restrictions on diesel distribution were introduced by the Maharashtra government on Friday as efforts were intensified to curb fuel hoarding, black marketing, and the diversion of diesel intended for retail consumers. Under the revised regulations, a daily purchase limit of 200 litres of diesel per customer was imposed at petrol pumps across the state. The decision was taken following a Central government notification governing the supply and distribution of petroleum products.
Through a government resolution issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department, stricter controls were placed on the sale of petrol and diesel at retail outlets. It was specified that fuel could only be dispensed into vehicle fuel tanks or containers certified by competent authorities. The sale of fuel in unauthorised containers was prohibited, while the resale of petrol and diesel obtained from retail outlets was also disallowed. These measures were introduced to strengthen oversight and prevent misuse of fuel purchased through retail channels.
Additional restrictions were placed on institutional, commercial, and industrial consumers. Such entities were directed to source their fuel requirements exclusively from designated bulk-consumer depots rather than retail petrol pumps. The measure was intended to ensure that fuel meant for ordinary vehicle owners remained available through retail distribution networks.
The decision was reportedly influenced by findings gathered during recent inspections and investigations. According to officials, instances had been detected where contractors and industrial units were purchasing diesel from retail fuel stations because diesel supplied through bulk channels was priced substantially higher. It was stated that the price difference exceeded ₹40 per litre in some cases, making retail purchases more attractive despite existing regulations.
Concerns were also raised regarding alleged irregularities in the fuel supply chain. An alleged nexus involving certain oil companies, petrol pump operators, and bulk consumers was said to have been identified. As a result, fuel queues and supply disruptions were reported in some districts. These developments were viewed as a key factor behind the government’s decision to tighten monitoring and introduce additional safeguards.
Despite the new restrictions, it was clarified by officials that no immediate fuel shortage existed in Maharashtra. Adequate stocks of petrol and diesel were reported to be available across the state. The measures were described as precautionary steps aimed at preventing future disruptions rather than emergency actions taken in response to a supply crisis.
Most of the provisions outlined in the resolution had already been in force through existing regulations. However, the introduction of a strict 200-litre daily cap on diesel purchases was highlighted as the most significant new requirement. The cap is expected to reduce large-scale retail purchases and discourage the diversion of fuel to commercial users.
Strict enforcement has been mandated through oil marketing companies and petrol pump operators. Compliance with the regulations has been ordered, and violations have been made subject to action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, as well as the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005. Through these measures, tighter control over Maharashtra’s fuel distribution system is expected to be maintained while ensuring uninterrupted availability for retail consumers.