Diesel demand surge, ‘No Diesel’ signs up in parts of Gujarat amid supply concerns

Gujarat is witnessing a sharp rise in diesel consumption along with reports of supply pressure at several petrol pumps across the state. In the first 21 days of May, diesel sales increased by nearly 41% compared to last year, and ‘No Diesel’ boards at fuel stations were seen at a number of pumps.

Oil Marketing Companies reported that around 45.27 crore litres of diesel were sold in the state during this period, compared to 32.03 crore litres in the same period last year. This is an increase of about 13.23 crore litres. Normally, fuel demand in Gujarat grows by only 2 to 5% annually, but this year the rise has been unusually high.

Supply pressure and local shortages

In several regions including Saurashtra and Kutch, petrol pumps have seen long queues of trucks and commercial vehicles waiting for diesel.

Transporters also reported that in some places, diesel prices at consumer level outlets have increased, adding to operational costs for commercial vehicles.

Why demand increased

Officials and industry sources suggest that the sudden spike is mainly due to fear of shortage, which led transport operators and businesses to stock up on diesel in advance. This panic buying has created additional pressure on fuel stations.

Districts like Kutch, Gir Somnath, and Botad have reported especially high demand, with some areas seeing up to 79% increase in sales compared to normal levels.

Oil marketing companies and local authorities are now closely monitoring fuel supply and distribution at deports and petrol pumps to manage the sudden rise in demand.

Fuel is being supplied through regular channels like refineries, storage depots, and transport tankers, and officials are trying to ensure that high demand areas receive continuous supply to avoid panic situations, as overall supply in the state is considered stable.