A tense atmosphere was reported across parts of Maharashtra after panic buying was triggered by rumours of fuel shortages and a possible lockdown. Long queues were seen at petrol pumps and LPG agencies, and public concern was quickly amplified through word-of-mouth and social media messages. In response, a two-pronged strategy was adopted by the state government, through which immediate fears were sought to be calmed while structural dependence on LPG was simultaneously addressed.
Attention was first directed toward the expansion of piped gas infrastructure. It was announced that the City Gas Distribution network would be rapidly extended across the state in view of disruptions in global fuel supply chains. The move was said to have been undertaken following directions from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and emergency administrative measures were introduced by the chief secretary to ensure that pipeline work would not be delayed by routine approvals and departmental clearances.
Under the new arrangement, all pending permissions for pipeline laying were to be treated as deemed approved, while fresh requests were ordered to be processed within 24 hours. It was also directed that road restoration charges and permission fees should be waived by local bodies and departments so that work could be accelerated. Gas distribution companies were permitted to operate throughout the day and night, and seasonal restrictions were relaxed in order to maintain project speed. Separate no-objection certificates from fire and traffic departments were removed from the process, although daily updates were required to be shared with both authorities. These measures were said to remain effective until June 30, 2026.
At the same time, a strong effort was made to control public panic. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was quoted as saying that there was enough petrol and diesel in the state “to last for at least a month.” It was also asserted by him that “there will be no lockdown,” with the statement being presented as a direct response to the rumours that had caused people to rush to fuel outlets. Citizens were urged not to purchase fuel unnecessarily, as artificial shortages could be created when normal supply conditions were disrupted by panic behaviour rather than actual scarcity.
A broader comparison was also drawn with neighbouring countries. It was stated by the chief minister that supply disruptions had been faced by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, but that India’s position had remained stable because of better planning. It was further indicated that excise duty cuts had helped reduce the impact of global price shocks on domestic consumers.
Warnings were also issued against misinformation. Strict criminal action was said to be possible against those spreading false claims about shortages or lockdowns through social media, including WhatsApp forwards. On LPG supply, an improvement was reported, as commercial cylinder availability was said to have risen from 20% to 40%, with a further rise to 50% being expected soon. In the final assessment, the situation in Maharashtra was not presented as a collapse in fuel availability, but as a test of public confidence. By combining emergency approvals for gas infrastructure with repeated public assurances, a crisis of perception was sought to be prevented from becoming a real supply crisis.
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