Vidarbha Farmers Struggle Amid Diesel Panic

Vidarbha Diesel Crisis Deepens as Farmers Rush for Fuel Before Kharif Season

A major diesel rush has gripped several parts of Vidarbha ahead of the Kharif season, leaving farmers stranded in long queues and forcing many to travel dozens of kilometers just to secure fuel for tractors and farm work. Rising fears linked to Middle East tensions, possible supply disruptions, and speculation over fuel shortages have intensified panic buying across rural Maharashtra.

In districts like Buldhana, Washim, and nearby rural belts, petrol pumps are witnessing unprecedented crowds of tractors, vehicles, and diesel cans. Despite waiting for hours under scorching temperatures, many farmers are still unable to get sufficient diesel for cultivation activities.

Farmers Forced to Travel 80 KM for Diesel

The severity of the situation became evident through the experience of farmer Dhananjay Gangawane from Dhepud village in Washim district. Preparing his land for the upcoming sowing season, Gangawane struggled to arrange diesel locally and ultimately travelled nearly 80 kilometers to Barshi Takli in Akola district to refuel.

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The five-acre farmer reportedly visited nearly 8 to 10 petrol pumps before finally getting diesel in Akola.

“The diesel we received is not enough, but at least it will help us begin pre-sowing cultivation work,” he said.

Gangawane spent ₹200 on petrol for the trip just to purchase diesel worth ₹1,000, highlighting the growing burden on already distressed farmers.

Extreme Heat Worsens Farmers’ Hardship

Vidarbha is currently battling temperatures between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius. Alongside water scarcity, farmers are now facing an additional struggle for fuel. Agricultural experts warn that delays in land preparation and sowing due to diesel shortages could directly impact crop production during the Kharif season.

Several farmers from Malegaon and nearby areas in Washim are also reportedly travelling outside their districts in search of diesel, reflecting the rapidly escalating pressure on rural fuel supplies.

Real Shortage or Panic Buying?

Petrol pump operators, however, claim the issue is being driven more by panic than by an actual diesel shortage.

According to Rahul Rathi, President of the Akola Petrol Dealers Association, fuel sales have surged by nearly 30 to 40 percent in recent days.

“Government advisories, talks of fuel price hikes, and fears of a possible crisis have created panic among people. Many are trying to buy more diesel than required,” he stated.

Dealers say that with the Kharif season approaching, fuel demand from farmers has increased sharply, causing stocks at several pumps to get exhausted within hours.

Appeal Against Rumours

Fuel station owners in Akola have appealed to citizens and farmers not to believe rumours regarding diesel shortages.

“Petrol and diesel are available with us. There is pressure due to increased demand from neighbouring districts, but we are not sending anyone back empty-handed,” several petrol pump operators claimed.

Meanwhile, farmers are demanding separate diesel allocation for agricultural purposes, improved rural fuel supply, and easier rules for purchasing diesel in cans. Farmers fear that if the situation is not controlled immediately, it could severely affect farming operations and Kharif production across Vidarbha.

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