Don’t Fall For Lockdown Rumours: CM Devendra Fadnavis Warns Of Legal Action, Assures Adequate Fuel Stock
Don’t Fall For Lockdown Rumours: CM Devendra Fadnavis Warns Of Legal Action, Assures Adequate Fuel Stock
Government says no lockdown planned; strict action against those spreading or forwarding fake messages
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a strong warning against the spread of rumours related to fuel shortages and a possible lockdown, stating that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.
Addressing growing panic among citizens, Fadnavis clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country and dismissed viral messages claiming an imminent lockdown as false.
“The central government has announced that there will be no lockdown in the country. Therefore, criminal action will be taken against those spreading any rumors in this regard. Even forwarding such fake WhatsApp messages will be a crime. Therefore, no one should spread false rumors, otherwise legal action will be taken against them,” Devendra Fadnavis said.
He emphasised that sufficient fuel stock is available and urged people not to rush to petrol pumps based on misinformation.
“There is sufficient fuel stock in our country, so there is no crisis. There will be no lockdown in the country… We have enough stock of petrol and diesel to last for a month,” he added.
The clarification comes amid widespread rumours triggered by global tensions in West Asia, which have led to panic buying and long queues at fuel stations in several parts of the state.
Fadnavis also highlighted that the Centre has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 to shield consumers from rising global crude oil prices. He noted that the burden of price fluctuations will now be borne by oil companies, ensuring that citizens are not impacted significantly.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has also appealed to the public to remain calm and not believe in unverified claims about lockdowns or fuel shortages.
Authorities have urged citizens to rely only on official information and avoid contributing to panic by sharing unverified messages.
