Odisha Reviews Fuel Supply Amid Global Uncertainty, Assures No Shortage

Bhubaneswar: In response to the prevailing global geopolitical situation and its potential impact on energy supply, the Odisha government convened a high-level review meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan on Friday evening.

The meeting, which also included a session of the State Crisis Management Group, focused on assessing the availability and distribution of essential fuels—petrol, diesel, and cooking gas (LPG)—across the state. Officials confirmed that despite external challenges, fuel supply in Odisha remains stable and uninterrupted.

Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, informed that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG are being maintained, with no immediate concerns over shortages. Oil Marketing Companies are operating at full capacity, following Government of India directives to ensure consistent production from available crude oil reserves, while domestic LPG supply continues to receive top priority.

To enhance transparency in distribution, the Delivery Confirmation Code (DAC) system has been implemented. Special focus is being placed on supplying LPG to essential sectors such as schools, hospitals, hostels, anganwadi centres, food service units, and prisons.

The state has also increased LPG allocation for commercial establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and dhabas, with regular coordination maintained with industry associations to prevent disruptions. Additional LPG cylinders are being provided to key industrial sectors like steel and automobiles.

Senior officials presented detailed reports on current stock levels, daily consumption patterns, and future projections for petrol, diesel, and LPG. Discussions also covered the strengthening of supply chains for Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), LPG, Piped Natural Gas (PNG), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

As part of a long-term strategy, the government is promoting PNG for domestic use and CNG for transportation. The number of PNG connections is steadily increasing, and efforts are underway to expand the City Gas Distribution network across districts. Authorities are also working to reconnect previously disconnected PNG consumers.

Special provisions have been introduced for migrant workers and students, allowing them to obtain 5 kg LPG cylinders using valid identity cards. Meanwhile, strict enforcement measures are being implemented to curb illegal activities such as gas cylinder smuggling and unauthorised diversion. Authorities have intensified raids across panchayats, with violators being prosecuted under the Essential Commodities Act.

Control rooms at both state and district levels are operating круглосуточно to monitor the situation, while Crisis Management Groups remain active to ensure swift response to any emerging issues. Police have also been deployed to ensure the safe transportation of LPG cylinders.

The Agriculture Department confirmed that urea fertiliser availability remains normal ahead of the upcoming Kharif season, with continuous monitoring in place.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed officials to prioritise areas with urgent cooking gas demand and expedite the expansion of PNG infrastructure. She emphasised the importance of maintaining strict vigilance over fuel stocks and instructed concerned departments to respond promptly to any challenges.

She also appealed to the public to avoid panic buying and hoarding, urging cooperation to ensure smooth supply management.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner of Police Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries Hemant Sharma and Usha Padhee, along with representatives from various departments and Oil Marketing Companies.

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