Odisha Tightens LPG Supply Norms, Pushes PNG Transition to Enhance Transparency

Bhubaneswar: In a major move to streamline the supply of LPG and petroleum products, the Odisha government has announced stricter monitoring mechanisms and accelerated plans for transitioning to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) across the state.

The decisions were taken at a high-level review meeting jointly chaired by Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, and Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing & Urban Development, with participation from senior officials and representatives of major oil and gas companies.

Cracking down on irregularities, Patra issued a strong warning against black-marketing and directed gas agencies to adopt strict digital verification measures. He mandated biometric authentication, including fingerprint and iris scans, for all LPG deliveries to ensure transparency and accountability. The Minister also clarified that households opting for PNG connections will have their LPG connections discontinued to optimise resource utilisation.

To facilitate the transition, District Collectors have been asked to extend full administrative support to gas companies for seamless pipeline installation and infrastructure development.

Emphasising the long-term urban energy strategy, Mahapatra called for reducing dependence on LPG in cities and urged government offices and commercial establishments to shift to PNG at the earliest. He assured that the Housing & Urban Development Department would provide fast-track clearances for such conversions.

Highlighting upcoming demand, particularly during the Rath Yatra, the Minister directed officials to prioritise PNG infrastructure in Puri to ensure uninterrupted supply during the major religious event.

Addressing concerns over supply reliability, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, instructed agencies to ensure 100% compliance with the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system to prevent “ghost deliveries,” where consumers receive false delivery confirmations.

He assured that there is no shortage of LPG, with the government closely monitoring supplies through a 24-hour control room. Oil companies confirmed maintaining a five-day buffer stock and sharing real-time inventory data with the department.

Going forward, the state has prioritised essential institutions such as schools, Anganwadi centres, Ahaar Kendras, and hospitals for uninterrupted gas supply, ensuring that critical services remain unaffected.

The measures are expected to strengthen supply chain transparency, curb malpractices, and support Odisha’s transition towards a more efficient and sustainable urban energy system.