Bhubaneswar: In view of the ongoing drivers’ strike, the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, has initiated prompt and coordinated measures to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities across the state, with a special focus on maintaining a steady and reliable supply of petroleum products.
A high-level review meeting was convened on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Director General of Police, Principal Secretary (Commerce & Transport), Principal Secretary (Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare), and the Transport Commissioner, Odisha. Senior officials from the Transport Department, Odisha Police, and representatives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were also present. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the ground situation and develop a coordinated response to avoid any disruption to the state’s supply chain network.
During the meeting, the Transport Minister reiterated the Government’s openness to dialogue with the representatives of the drivers’ association and appealed to them to withdraw the strike in the larger interest of the public and the economy of the state.
Following the review, a dedicated task force has been constituted, comprising officials from the Commerce & Transport Department, police authorities, district administrations, and OMCs. This task force has been entrusted with round-the-clock monitoring, prompt resolution of logistical challenges, and ensuring the smooth movement of petroleum and other critical goods. District administrations and police units across the state have been instructed to provide full support, including security escorts and logistical facilitation for fuel tankers and cargo carriers wherever required.
The Minister has reassured the public that there is no shortage of fuel in Odisha. Oil Marketing Companies have confirmed that sufficient stock is available at depots and retail outlets throughout the state. Daily replenishment operations are being carried out without interruption, and delivery of petroleum products is proceeding smoothly at all key locations.
The Odisha government, through the coordinated efforts of the Commerce & Transport Department and the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, reiterates its firm commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, safeguarding public welfare, and maintaining normalcy across the state. The state’s daily requirement of approximately 600 tankers is being met, ensuring continued availability of fuel.
Citizens are earnestly requested to remain calm, refrain from panic buying, and avoid circulating unverified information on social media. The situation continues to be monitored closely at the highest level, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure public convenience and safety.
