Petrol, diesel price surge a 'global crisis', don't hoard fuel: Fadnavis

Normally, we do not provide it that way, but during this season, we do provide it to farmers, Fadnavis said.The actual shortage is almost the same, but because of the fear -- whether fuel will be available later or not -- demand has increased by nearly 20 per cent, he noted.I appeal to everyone not to hoard fuel in a way that puts pressure on the supply chain.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday termed the rise in petrol and diesel prices a ''global crisis'' and appealed to people not to hoard fuel, saying it would put pressure on the supply chain.

Petrol prices were raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 on Monday, the fourth increase in less than two weeks that extended a delayed pass-through of soaring global crude oil costs triggered by the Iran conflict. The latest increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre, with petrol prices crossing Rs 100 per litre across many cities.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest fuel hike, accusing the government of burdening consumers after state elections ended.

Asked about the Opposition's allegations that petrol and diesel prices had increased because of taxes imposed by the government and its policy decisions, Fadnavis told reporters here, ''You all know this is a global crisis.''.

''Because of the global crisis, supply chains have been disrupted, and many countries around the world have declared emergencies related to petrol and diesel. In some places, there have even been lockdowns for two days,'' he pointed out.

Even in such a situation here, large crowds gathered for petrol and diesel, which created some law-and-order issues, the CM said.

Farmers also demand diesel in cans, especially during this season. ''Normally, we do not provide it that way, but during this season, we do provide it to farmers,'' Fadnavis said.

The actual shortage is almost the same, but because of the fear -- whether fuel will be available later or not -- demand has increased by nearly 20 per cent, he noted.

''I appeal to everyone not to hoard fuel in a way that puts pressure on the supply chain. Efforts are being made to bring the situation under control,'' Fadnavis said.

Instructions have been given to all district collectors. However, in some particular villages and places, more violent tendencies are being seen. The police have also been instructed that such activities should be dealt with strictly.''.

Asked about the NEET UG-2026 paper leak controversy and some students' suicide allegedly linked to the issue, Fadnavis said he was confident that the retest would be devoid of any irregularity.

''Those who tried to tamper with the NEET examination have done a massive injustice against students,'' he said.

The Centre and examination authorities have taken cognisance of the matter and arrests have been made in connection with the alleged irregularities, the CM noted.

''I am confident that the next NEET examination will be conducted properly and nobody will be able to create any kind of irregularity in it,'' he said.

Notably, a farmer from Latur district has claimed that his 18-year-old daughter, who aspired to become a doctor, died by suicide due to mental stress caused by the cancellation of the NEET UG-2026 over an alleged paper leak. Police said they have registered an accidental death report and launched a probe into the farmer's claim.

On seat-sharing discussions among the ruling allies for the upcoming legislative council elections in the state, Fadnavis said talks were underway over some seats, including Nashik and Pune.

''With Shiv Sena, talks are going on regarding the Nashik and Sambhajinagar seats. With the NCP, discussions are underway for the Pune seat,'' he said.

''We will sit together and find a way out. No solution has been reached yet, but I am confident that a solution will emerge,'' he added.

The Election Commission last week announced that the biennial polls to 17 legislative council seats in Maharashtra from local authorities' constituencies, including one by-election, will be held on June 18.

Fadnavis, who was speaking after inaugurating the renovated Jawahar Bal Bhavan here, praised the facility, saying it had been modernised after 75 years with arrangements for cultural activities, performances and science learning for children.