Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Monday said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas (LPG) in the state, following a review of the supply situation and a meeting of the State Crisis Management Group (SCMG) held at Lok Seva Bhawan.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary of the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, informed that despite recent adverse situations, the supply of petroleum products and LPG in the state has remained normal. Officials from various oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, also participated and apprised the meeting of the current supply status.
It was informed that petrol pumps across the state are functioning normally. In earlier instances of temporary shortages at certain locations, the issues were resolved through coordinated preventive measures by oil companies.
The government has also prioritised domestic LPG distribution, with cooking gas being supplied within 21 to 25 days in urban areas and within 45 days in rural areas. Efforts are underway to expand the use of piped natural gas (PNG) district-wise, while government and commercial establishments have been advised to shift from LPG to PNG. The city gas distribution network is also being expanded.
A total of 38,681 free 5-kg LPG cylinders have been distributed to migrants and students upon production of valid identity documents.
As part of enforcement measures, 7,662 illegally stored cylinders were seized during action against black marketers and smugglers. These cylinders have been handed over to oil marketing companies for inclusion in the supply chain. Legal action has been initiated against 36 persons, while eight have been arrested.
Reviewing the situation, Chief Secretary Anu Garg stressed the need for an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and directed officials to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and take strict action against illegal stockists. She also emphasised maintaining reserve stocks for emergency services such as ambulances and police operations.
After the meeting, she appealed to the public not to panic or indulge in hoarding, stating that there is no shortage of fuel or cooking gas as per the assessment of oil companies. She urged citizens to purchase fuel according to their normal requirements.
District Collectors have been instructed to remain vigilant and conduct regular inspections in coordination with the Supply Department. Oil marketing companies have also been directed to closely monitor distribution. The administration is keeping a strict watch on supplies in view of the prevailing West Asia situation, including monitoring pipelines and refineries to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The meeting was attended by members of the State Crisis Management Group, senior officials from various departments, and representatives of oil marketing companies.
