Tanking up: Fuel demand surges 43% in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Gujarat experienced a major surge in fuel demand during the first 28 days of May, with retail diesel sales climbing 42.6% compared to the same period last year. This rapid growth has prompted public sector oil marketing companies, including IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, to scale up their logistics and supply operations to prevent shortages.

According to data released by these three state-run fuel retailers, diesel sales in the state jumped to 6.26 lakh kilolitres between May 1 and May 28, up from 4.39 lakh kilolitres during the identical timeframe last year.

A district-wise analysis reveals that Kutch experienced the highest growth rate, with diesel consumption soaring by 75.9%. Other districts with massive growth included Botad at 72.3%, Gir Somnath at 72.2%, Banaskantha at 69.4%, and Junagadh at 64.1%. These areas easily outpaced the state average, indicating robust demand across farming and manufacturing zones alike.

Among districts, Kutch recorded the highest growth in diesel consumption at 75.9%, followed by Botad (72.3%), Gir Somnath (72.2%), Banaskantha (69.4%) and Junagadh (64.1%). These districts significantly outpaced the state average, reflecting robust demand across both agricultural and industrial regions.

In terms of total volume, Kutch led the state by consuming nearly 66,000 kilolitres of diesel. Ahmedabad followed closely with 61,271 kilolitres, while Surat recorded 52,358 kilolitres and Vadodara registered 35,285 kilolitres.

Oil marketing companies stated that the demand spike is largely due to seasonal tilling and harvesting in rural sectors. Additionally, the companies noted that buyers are shifting towards public sector fuel stations because of price differences with private suppliers. Bulk institutional and commercial consumers are also choosing to purchase directly from retail pumps.

To manage this pressure, the three public sector retailers are utilising their nationwide network of terminals, depots, pipelines, cooking gas bottling plants, and retail outlets. Logistics teams, transport vehicles, and terminal facilities are operating 24 hours a day. The firms are also working alongside state govt authorities to keep logistics smooth. The companies confirmed they hold sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, advising citizens against panic buying as supply chains remain fully operational.