Odisha Has Adequate Fuel, LPG Supply; Public Asked Not to Panic: Chief Secretary

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday assured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas in the state and appealed to people not to resort to panic buying or hoarding amid concerns arising from the prevailing international situation.

The assurance came after a review meeting of the State Crisis Management Group (SCMG) chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan to assess the availability and distribution of petroleum products and LPG across Odisha.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department Sanjay Kumar Singh informed that the supply of fuel and LPG has remained stable despite recent adverse developments. Representatives of oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, also participated in the review and stated that fuel distribution networks are functioning normally across the state.

Officials said petrol pumps are operating without disruption and earlier temporary shortages reported in a few locations had already been resolved through coordinated preventive measures taken by oil companies.

The government has also prioritised domestic LPG distribution. Officials informed that cooking gas cylinders are currently being supplied within 21 to 25 days in urban areas and within 45 days in rural regions.

The meeting reviewed efforts to expand piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across districts. Government and commercial establishments have been encouraged to gradually shift from LPG to PNG, while work on expanding the city gas distribution network is underway.

Officials further informed that 38,681 free 5-kg LPG cylinders have been distributed to migrants and students on the basis of valid identity documents.

As part of enforcement against illegal hoarding and black marketing, authorities have seized 7,662 illegally stored LPG cylinders during raids conducted across the state. The cylinders have been returned to oil companies for redistribution through the regular supply chain. Legal action has been initiated against 36 persons, while eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the violations.

Reviewing the situation, Chief Secretary Garg directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and LPG, strengthen monitoring systems and take strict action against illegal stockists and smugglers. She also stressed the importance of maintaining reserve fuel stocks for essential emergency services, including ambulances and police operations.

After the meeting, Garg appealed to citizens to purchase fuel only according to normal requirements, reiterating that there is no shortage as per assessments made by oil companies.

District Collectors have been instructed to remain alert and conduct regular inspections in coordination with the Supply Department. Oil marketing companies have also been asked to closely monitor distribution channels as the state administration keeps a watch on the evolving West Asia situation and its possible impact on supply chains.