Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd through State Level Coordinator (Oil Industry) for Maharashtra, Mihir Joshi, on Wednesday assured the people that the availability of essential petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), remains normal and uninterrupted across the state.The overall fuel supply in Maharashtra continues to remain stable and adequate, with all supply channels comprising terminals, depots, LPG bottling plants and retail outlets functioning efficiently.Fuel stocks are being continuously monitored, and replenishment activities are progressing seamlessly across all locations without any restrictions, in line with prescribed safety and operational norms, the statement said.Adequate stocks of petroleum products are available across the supply chain and replenishment is being carried out continuously to meet genuine consumer demand efficiently. 

LPG supplies to domestic consumers are also being maintained normally and deliveries are progressing smoothly across the state. PSU OMCs have appealed to the public to avoid panic buying.The OMCs have also advised the public to rely only on official communications issued by the companies or government authorities for accurate and verified information regarding fuel availability, the statement added. In a bid to boost clean energy adoption, residents of newly constructed buildings can now submit applications for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections on a collective or individual basis, as applicable. Simultaneously, City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies and their authorised distributors are launching large-scale advertising campaigns across the state to encourage citizens to opt for new PNG connections. Since April 1, 2026, a total of 94,220 new PNG gas connections have been commissioned in Maharashtra, marking one of the highest installation rates in the country.According to the statement, to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across Maharashtra, and to curb black marketing and hoarding, the state government has initiated strict vigilance measures. 

District Collectors have been directed to set up dedicated vigilance and mobile squads to conduct district-level inspections and raids. ndividuals involved in illegal activities such as the unauthorised use of domestic LPG, hoarding, and black marketing are facing stringent action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.As part of this statewide crackdown, a total of 9,494 raids were conducted up to May 17, 2026. These operations resulted in the seizure of 4,449 cylinders due to distribution irregularities. As many as 70 FIRs have been registered, and 52 individuals have been taken into custody.

/IANS