Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that while fuel is currently not readily available in rural areas, he has instructed authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of diesel to farmers.
Speaking to PTI, Fadnavis issued a stern warning against the black-marketing of fuel in the name of farmers, noting that some parts of the state had witnessed a sudden 20 to 30 per cent spike in fuel sales.
The chief minister arrived in the city to participate in the inauguration of a defence and aerospace complex.
He said district administrations had been directed to ensure diesel availability for farmers amid reports of fuel shortages in rural areas.
“Petrol and diesel are not available in rural areas right now. In this regard, I have issued instructions to all district collectors and divisional commissioners that wherever necessary, diesel should be made available to farmers,” he said, according to PTI.
Maharashtra recorded around a 20 per cent rise in petrol and diesel sales in the first fortnight of May amid panic buying triggered by fears of a possible disruption in fuel supplies due to the West Asia conflict.
Fadnavis praises Vande Bharat journey
Fadnavis, who travelled to the city on the Vande Bharat Express, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given the country a “unique gift” through the train service, which he said was comparable to those in developed nations across the world.
“I enjoyed the experience very much. During the journey, I cleared files and met many people. It was a completely different and very good experience,” he said, the news agency reported.
Shirdi emerging as defence and aerospace hub
Speaking about the defence complex in Shirdi, Fadnavis said the temple town had emerged as a symbol of both devotion and strength.
“Shirdi has now emerged as a centre of strength. It is a matter of great happiness. Devotion and strength are integrated in Indian spirituality. Only those who are powerful can establish peace. The weak can never establish peace,” he said.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis holds meet to ensure monsoon prep
Chief Minister on Friday directed all government departments to strengthen monsoon preparedness and ensure that plans are implemented effectively on the ground rather than remain limited to paper. Reviewing the state’s readiness for the rainy season during a high-level meeting in Mumbai with civic officials, senior government officials from other agencies, and the police department, he instructed departments to reassess their preparations over the next 15 days and tackle any shortcomings, asserting that the administration must improve its response based on past experiences.
(With PTI inputs)