Fuel shortage fears grip Gujarat as govt tightens diesel purchase rules for farmers

Long queues at petrol pumps and fresh restrictions on diesel purchases have fuelled concerns of a worsening fuel crisis in parts of Gujarat amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Gujarat Food and Civil Supplies Department has issued new guidelines making it mandatory for farmers to furnish government documents to purchase diesel for agricultural use and tractors.

The restrictions come as reports emerge of heavy rush and fuel shortages at petrol pumps across regions including Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat.

According to the order issued on May 21, farmers purchasing diesel will now have to provide documents including copies of land ownership records such as 7/12 extracts and 8(A) forms, Aadhaar cards, election cards and tractor registration certificates.

Officials said even after submission of documents, farmers would be allowed to purchase a maximum of 200 litres of diesel at a time.

However, farmers claimed that obtaining even the permitted quantity had become difficult due to supply constraints at petrol pumps.

The development comes despite repeated assurances from the state government that Gujarat has sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel and that people should not panic or believe rumours regarding shortages.

Meanwhile, fuel purchase limits have reportedly been imposed at several petrol pumps, with two-wheeler riders allegedly being given petrol worth only ₹50 to ₹100, while four-wheelers are being supplied fuel worth up to ₹1,000.

The transport sector has also expressed concern over the restrictions.

Truck operators claimed that heavy vehicles were being supplied only 20 to 25 litres of diesel despite requiring 200 to 300 litres for long-distance operations.

Transporters warned that prolonged restrictions could severely affect movement of goods and disrupt economic activity across the state.

Sources said petrol pumps have also been directed to maintain registers recording customer details as part of monitoring measures.

In several rural areas, “No Diesel” boards have reportedly appeared at fuel stations, forcing farmers to travel from one petrol pump to another in search of fuel for agricultural operations.

The situation has triggered speculation about possible rationing of petrol and diesel if supply pressures continue.

When contacted over the issue, Gujarat Food and Civil Supplies Minister Raman Solanki said a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary had been held on the matter, but he was not present due to other engagements.