Bhubaneswar: In response to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s recent letter urging for release of kerosene free of cost for the cyclone-hit people, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has smartly responded to extend the requisite help.
In his reply on May 11, Union Petroleum Minister has mentioned, “MoPNG and its PSUs stand committed to provide all necessary support and assistance to the Government of Odisha to provide relief to the cyclone affected people.”
“In this connection, I wish to inform you that I have advised one of the PSUs under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to contribute around Rs 3.2 crore (equivalent of the cost of 1000 KL SKO on cost basis) through CSR funds to the CM Relief Fund/State Exchequer to meet the requirement. Further, it is informed that additional quantity of 1000 KL SKO has been made available for lifting by the state government. Alongside, sufficient supplies of Petrol, Diesel and LPG have already been ensured in cyclone affected areas in Odisha,” Union Petroleum Minister has stated.
This response is with reference to the Odisha Chief Minister’s letter No. UM-29/2019-28/CM dated 10th May 2019 regarding release of additional 1000 KL of SKO (Kerosene) free of cost for supply to cyclone affected people in the state of Odisha.
Following this, Chief Minister’s Office tweeted, “Thank Union Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp for considering our request to provide 1,000 KL of Kerosene Oil free of cost to #CycloneFani ravaged #Odisha. It would help meet the immediate demand for Kerosene Oil for lighting purpose.”