Fuel rationing enforced in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Nanded

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: District administrations have enforced fuel rationing across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Nanded districts of the Marathwada region on Thursday, restricting petrol sales to Rs 200 for two-wheelers and Rs 2,000 for three- and four-wheelers, after panic buying triggered long queues and temporary depletion at several fuel stations.The decision, implemented through district-level orders, aims to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution of fuel. Officials maintained that there is no actual shortage of petrol or diesel, but fear-driven bulk purchases have created a scarcity-like situation on the ground.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district supply officer Praveen Fulari said fuel pumps have been directed not to dispense petrol or diesel in cans, bottles or drums. "The daily fuel supply is adequate, but people are rushing to fill more than required, which is putting pressure on the system," he said.On Thursday, serpentine queues were seen at multiple petrol pumps across the three districts, with some outlets temporarily running dry and displaying "no fuel" boards. Officials attributed this to sudden spikes in demand rather than disruption in supply.Petrol pump operators have also been instructed to make advance payments for fuel procurement. Supplies are released only if payments are credited by 3pm, failing which replenishment might be delayed, contributing to localised shortages.Petrol Dealers' Association president Akhil Abbas said panic has aggravated the situation. "There is no severe shortage, but unnecessary crowding and excess purchasing are worsening the problem. In some cases, dealers could not restock in time due to pending advance payments, which added to public anxiety. The situation is expected to stabilise soon," he said.Divisional commissioner Jitendra Papalkar said district collectors in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Nanded have fixed limits on fuel sales based on prevailing conditions. "There is adequate fuel available. However, panic buying is causing pumps to run dry. Once a pump runs out, restoring supply takes time, which is why rationing has been introduced," he said.Authorities exempted essential services such as ambulances and emergency vehicles from the restrictions to ensure uninterrupted operations.Officials said Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district requires around 19 lakh litres of fuel daily, which is supplied regularly. The district had 47 petrol pumps in the city and 337 across the district.