Bhubaneswar: The Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, on Monday clarified that there is no shortage of fuel in Odisha and assured the public of adequate availability of LPG, petrol, and diesel across the state.
Addressing a press briefing at the Annapurna Conference Hall in Lok Seva Bhawan, Singh, along with senior officials and representatives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), dismissed rumours regarding the shortage of 5 kg LPG cylinders. He stated that such cylinders are being made easily accessible to migrant workers and students.
The Principal Secretary informed that individuals can obtain 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders from authorised distributors by submitting valid identity proof, without the requirement of address proof. He added that OMCs are organising special camps at various locations to facilitate on-the-spot issuance of these connections.
Emphasising enforcement measures, Singh said restrictions are being imposed only on illegal vendors to ensure public safety, and strict action is being taken against unauthorised sellers.
On the overall supply scenario, he stated that domestic LPG supply remains stable, while commercial gas supply is gradually normalising, with nearly 70 per cent availability restored. Of the total supply, around 20 per cent is being prioritised for essential institutions such as hospitals, schools, hostels, and Aahaar Kendras.
District Collectors have been tasked with monitoring the situation through dedicated committees to ensure smooth distribution and immediate resolution of logistical issues, he added.
The department has also stepped up its crackdown on black marketing and hoarding. Officials have so far conducted inspections at 1,633 locations, leading to the seizure of 3,105 cylinders and the registration of 288 cases.
Appealing to consumers, Singh urged citizens to use digital booking platforms for LPG services to maintain transparency. OMCs have also confirmed that sufficient stock is being maintained at both dealer and distributor levels to meet the state’s demand.
Providing further details, Kamal Sheel, Nodal Officer for OMCs, said domestic LPG connections are being processed through e-KYC. He noted that 5 kg FTL cylinders are particularly beneficial for students and migrant labourers, as they do not require permanent address proof.
The state government, in coordination with oil companies, remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply and protecting consumers from unfair and illegal trade practices.
