Shiv Sena (UBT) Demands Transparency on Fuel Stocks Amid Panic Buying Concerns

Mumbai, March 2026 : The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) on Monday called on the BJP-led Mahayuti government to ensure complete transparency regarding the country’s fuel reserves, instead of warning citizens against spreading rumours about shortages. In a sharply worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party expressed concern over rising public anxiety linked to fuel availability and questioned the government’s handling of the situation.

The editorial alleged that the current wave of panic buying appears to have originated in Gujarat, where long queues have reportedly been seen outside petrol pumps and gas agencies. According to the party, people in several areas have been stockpiling fuel in large containers, triggering widespread concern. It suggested that this reaction is shaped by past experiences such as the Demonetisation and the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, during which information flow appeared uneven across regions. The editorial claimed that developments in Gujarat have now sparked fears in Maharashtra about a possible disruption or lockdown-like situation.

Despite assurances from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that there is no cause for concern, the editorial pointed to what it described as troubling ground realities. It claimed that nearly half of hotels and roadside eateries across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra have shut down due to cooking gas shortages. Industrial sectors have also reportedly been affected, with foundry units in western Maharashtra halting operations and hundreds of tile manufacturing units in Morbi facing closure. Some businesses, it added, have reverted to traditional fuels like firewood and coal to keep minimal operations running.

The party linked the situation to global developments, particularly the ongoing tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping corridor through which a significant portion of India’s LPG imports pass. While the government has stated that the country maintains a 60-day fuel reserve and about a month’s supply of LPG, the editorial noted that public confidence remains low.

It further highlighted what it described as conflicting statements from within the administration. While the Chief Minister has maintained that supplies are stable, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal reportedly warned of potential disruptions in LPG supply in the coming months. The recent decision to resume kerosene distribution was also cited as an indication of underlying supply concerns. According to the editorial, such inconsistencies have contributed to confusion among citizens and created space for rumours to spread.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) emphasised that the best way to counter misinformation is through proactive disclosure of data. It urged the government to release detailed information on daily fuel supply, current stock levels of petrol, diesel, and LPG, as well as updates on shipping movements through key routes and contingency plans for alternative imports.

The party also suggested that the government’s current approach may be influenced by upcoming elections in several states, but warned that a lack of transparency could deepen public distrust. It concluded that unless clarity replaces uncertainty, speculation and fear are likely to persist, further eroding confidence in official assurances.