Petrol, diesel consumption jumps over 40% in Gujarat despite PM Modi’s save fuel appeal

Despite repeated appeals by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, opt for carpooling and avoid unnecessary travel, consumption of petroleum products has surged sharply across Gujarat, with diesel sales rising by more than 42% compared to the same period last year. 

In a statement, state-run fuel retailers IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) said they were maintaining round-the-clock operations and close coordination with state administrations to ensure seamless fuel distribution.

The companies reported a significant rise in diesel offtake across Gujarat between May 1 and May 28 compared with the corresponding period last year.

According to the data, diesel sales in Gujarat increased by 42.6% year-on-year, rising to 625,559 kilolitres from 438,580 kilolitres during the same period last year.

Major urban centres also witnessed substantial growth, with diesel sales increasing by 41.3% in Ahmedabad, 54.2% in Rajkot, 48% in Vadodara and 30.8% in Surat.

Several districts recorded particularly sharp increases in diesel consumption. Kutch registered the highest growth at 75.9%, followed by Botad at 72.3%, Gir Somnath at 72.2% and Banaskantha at 69.4%.

Overall fuel consumption in Gujarat remained strong during 1–29 May, with both petrol and diesel (HSD) registering robust year-on-year growth. Petrol retail sales rose by 24.06%, increasing from 230,432 KL last year to 285,864 KL this year. Diesel (HSD) retail sales recorded an even sharper rise of 40.90%, climbing from 463,708 KL to 653,370 KL, reflecting sustained demand across transportation, industrial and commercial sectors.

Petrol demand jumps

In petrol retail sales, Devbhumi Dwarka recorded the highest growth in the state at 53.15%, followed by Gir Somnath (38.06%), Patan (35.44%), Jamnagar (34.41%), and Kutch (33.96%), making them the top five fastest-growing districts in Gujarat during the period.

The oil marketing companies (OMCs) attributed the increase in demand to multiple factors, including seasonal agricultural activities such as tilling and harvesting in rural areas.

Officials also pointed to a shift in consumer preference towards public sector fuel outlets due to pricing differences with private suppliers. Additionally, some institutional and commercial consumers have reportedly moved their purchases to retail fuel stations, contributing to higher volumes.

Despite the surge in demand, the companies said adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG were available nationwide.

The OMCs said fuel supplies were being maintained through an extensive network of terminals, depots, pipelines, LPG bottling plants and retail outlets across the country.

Supply teams, transport networks and terminal operations have been functioning round the clock to ensure timely replenishment and uninterrupted movement of petroleum products, the statement said.

The oil companies urged consumers not to engage in panic buying and advised citizens to continue normal purchasing patterns.