Amid fears of a fuel shortage, chaotic scenes have emerged from parts of Maharashtra as residents rushed to petrol pumps carrying plastic water jars and containers to stock up on petrol and diesel.
What caused the chaos
A viral video from Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, near the Lonar taluka, showed a massive crowd gathering at a petrol pump as soon as fuel stocks became available. People were seen carrying large plastic water jars and containers while trying to purchase petrol in bulk. Residents in several rural parts of the state are reportedly facing significant difficulties in accessing fuel supplies, with many petrol pumps remaining shut for long hours due to shortages.
#Maharashtra #Buldhana- Long queues and a huge crowd were seen at a petrol pump in Lonar town of Buldhana district after diesel was finally supplied following a prolonged shortage. Vehicle owners in the area had been facing severe difficulties due to the unavailability of diesel… pic.twitter.com/rK4cZxeki0
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) May 22, 2026
According to reports, whenever fuel tankers arrive and stations reopen, huge crowds quickly gather in an attempt to refill vehicles and store extra fuel. The scenes from Buldhana have now gone viral on social media, highlighting growing panic among residents over the uncertain supply situation.
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The fuel shortage has also reportedly triggered tensions and violence in some areas. Another incident was reported from Washim district on Saturday evening, where long queues outside a fuel station allegedly led to a clash between two groups waiting to buy diesel.
The violence occurred in the Akola Naka area, where residents have been facing diesel shortages for the third consecutive day. According to reports, tempers flared over queue discipline at the petrol pump, eventually leading to a confrontation between people waiting in line.
A similar incident earlier
The recent incidents have also drawn comparisons with a similar viral video that surfaced earlier this year from Tamil Nadu. In March, a video showing a man purchasing fuel in a large plastic water jar at a petrol pump gained widespread attention online. The footage, reportedly captured in Villupuram, showed a man seated on a motorcycle while holding a huge plastic can as a petrol pump employee filled it with fuel.
The video had sparked debate on social media, with several users questioning whether buying and storing such large quantities of fuel in plastic containers is even “legal” in India. The clip had surfaced amid rumours of fuel shortages linked to tensions in West Asia.
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As videos from Maharashtra continue circulating online, concerns are growing over panic buying, fuel management, and safety risks associated with storing petrol and diesel in plastic containers.
