Bhubaneswar: In view of the prevailing global geo-political situation and its possible impact on energy supply, a high-level review meeting and a session of the State Crisis Management Group was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan on Friday evening.
The meeting thoroughly assessed the availability and smooth distribution of essential fuels — petrol, diesel, and cooking gas (LPG) — across the state. Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, briefed the gathering on the current status of fuel supply. He informed that despite external challenges, the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG in Odisha remains largely normal and uninterrupted.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, Sachin Ramachandra Yadav, provided an update on the availability and proper management of urea fertiliser in preparation for the upcoming Kharif season.Senior officials presented detailed information on the LPG distribution system, supply chain management, and equitable allocation based on demand. Oil Marketing Companies are operating at full capacity as per Government of India directives to produce petrol and diesel from available crude oil stocks. Domestic LPG supply has been accorded topmost priority.
To ensure transparency and prevent irregularities, the Delivery Confirmation Code (DAC) system has been implemented in gas distribution. Special emphasis has been laid on supplying LPG to essential sectors, including schools, hospitals, hostels, anganwadi centres, food centres, and prisons.
The government has also increased LPG allocation for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and dhabas. Regular coordination is being maintained with Oil Marketing Companies and associations like the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha to avoid any shortage at these outlets. Additional commercial LPG cylinders are being provided to critical industrial sectors like steel and automobiles.
Presentations were made on the total stock position of petrol, diesel, and LPG in the state, average daily consumption, and projected future availability. Discussions focused on strengthening the supply chain of Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), LPG, Piped Natural Gas (PNG), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in a coordinated manner.
As a long-term alternative, the state is prioritising PNG in the domestic sector and CNG in the transport sector. The number of PNG connections and users is increasing rapidly. Guidelines have been issued encouraging government and commercial establishments to switch from commercial LPG to PNG. Efforts are underway to expedite the expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across districts. Steps have also been taken to reconnect old PNG customers who were earlier disconnected.
Special provisions have been made for migrant workers and students, who can now obtain 5 kg LPG cylinders through distributors on the basis of identity cards. On the enforcement front, strict action is being taken against illegal gas cylinders, smuggling, and diversion for unauthorised use. The number of raids and seizures has been intensified across panchayats. Cases are being registered and violators arrested under the Essential Commodities Act. Control rooms at state and district levels are functioning round the clock. Crisis Management Groups have been activated at all levels, and daily monitoring of the situation is in place. Police administration has been roped in to ensure safe transportation of LPG cylinders to their designated destinations.
The Agriculture Department informed that urea availability remains normal, with daily monitoring being conducted at the highest level. Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed officials to give priority to urgent demand areas in cooking gas supply and to accelerate the expansion of the PNG connectivity network. She emphasised the need for constant vigilance on petrol, diesel, and LPG stocks. She instructed the Supply Department and nodal officers to immediately address any emerging issues.
Garg also appealed to the public to cooperate with the government and avoid panic buying or hoarding.The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner of Police and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma (Agriculture, Industries, Information & Public Relations), Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee (Housing & Urban Development), secretaries of departments such as Commerce & Transport, Higher Education, Health & Family Welfare, Tourism, and senior representatives from Oil Marketing Companies.
