Diesel Crisis Triggers Massive Protests Across Gujarat, Transporters Warn of Statewide Shutdown

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A deepening fuel crisis triggered by global tensions between Iran and the United States has begun hitting Gujarat hard, with severe diesel shortages sparking panic, protests and growing anger among farmers and transporters across the state. Long queues stretching nearly a kilometre outside petrol pumps, tractors lined up since dawn, and threats of a transport shutdown have exposed the scale of the crisis now unfolding in several districts.

The shortage has been particularly severe in Amreli, Morbi and Junagadh, where farmers and truck drivers have been struggling for days to secure diesel despite recent hikes in fuel prices. In many areas, desperate farmers arrived at petrol pumps with tractors, carts and containers as temperatures crossed 40 degrees Celsius.

On the Rajula-Savarkundla road, furious farmers staged a road blockade by parking tractors horizontally in protest against the non-availability of diesel. “We are standing in queues from 4 am, but pumps are either dry or rationing fuel. Farming activities are getting badly affected,” a protesting farmer said.

The crisis has also disrupted transport and industrial operations. Truck drivers are reportedly waiting for hours to refuel, severely affecting cargo movement and port operations in Kutch. In an emergency meeting held in Gandhidham, transport organisations from across Gujarat warned that if diesel supply does not normalize immediately, all transport vehicles and machinery could voluntarily shut down from June 1, 2026.

The organisations have demanded an urgent meeting with oil companies including IOC, BPCL and HPCL, along with state authorities. “Trade, transport and industries are suffering huge losses due to irregular fuel supply,” a transport leader stated.

Political reactions have further intensified the issue. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Gopal Italia reached the Junagadh Collector’s office in a camel cart along with party workers to symbolically highlight the suffering of common people and farmers.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has also launched aggressive protests against rising fuel prices, accusing both the Centre and state government of failing to control the crisis. Congress workers blocked roads in Patan, leading to police detentions during demonstrations.