No Fuel Shortage in Odisha, 5kg LPG Cylinders Easily Available for Migrants and Students

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday clarified that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel in the state, while announcing measures to ensure easy access to 5kg LPG cylinders for migrant workers and students.

Addressing a press briefing at the Annapurna Conference Hall in Lok Seva Bhawan, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, said misconceptions regarding the availability of smaller LPG cylinders need to be dispelled.

He informed that 5kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders are being made readily available through a simplified process. Eligible consumers can obtain these cylinders from authorised distributors by presenting a valid identity proof, without the need for address verification. To further facilitate access, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are organising special camps across different locations to provide on-the-spot connections.

Singh emphasised that restrictions are only being imposed on illegal vendors to ensure public safety, adding that strict action is being taken against unauthorised sellers involved in black marketing and unsafe practices.

On the overall fuel situation, he assured that domestic LPG supply remains stable, while commercial gas availability has reached nearly 70 per cent and is steadily improving. Of the available supply, around 20 per cent is being prioritised for essential services such as hospitals, schools, hostels, and Ahaar Kendras.

District Collectors have been tasked with leading special monitoring committees to oversee distribution and resolve logistical challenges at the local level. Officials said these measures are helping maintain a smooth supply chain across the state.

The department has also intensified enforcement drives to curb illegal activities. So far, inspections have been carried out at 1,633 locations, leading to the seizure of 3,105 cylinders and registration of 288 cases.

Appealing to citizens, Singh urged people to use digital booking platforms for LPG services to ensure transparency and avoid intermediaries. Oil companies have confirmed that adequate stock is available at dealer and distributor points to meet demand.

Adding further details, Kamalsheel, Nodal Officer for Oil Companies, said domestic connections are being facilitated through e-KYC, while 5kg cylinders remain a convenient option for students and migrant workers as they do not require permanent address proof.