Odisha govt initiates steps to tide over prevailing LPG crisis

With the outbreak of war between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance and disruption of the supply chain, Odisha is bearing the brunt of the shortage of petrol and diesel in general and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), prompting the government to convene a high-level meeting with major oil and fuel marketing companies to tide over the prevailing situation.

A high-level meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra. The meeting focused on reviewing the availability and supply chain of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Petrol, and Diesel across the state, officials said.

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Besides the minister, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Department, K. Sudarshan Chakraborty, Managing Director of the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation, and senior officials of the department, alongside representatives from major oil and fuel marketing companies, including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, Reliance, and GAIL, deliberated over the issue.

Minister Patra later assured the public that there is a sufficient stock of cooking gas and fuel available in the state. He advised citizens not to succumb to panic or anxiety regarding the supply.

The minister also reviewed LPG distribution to distributors and retail outlets and directed officials to remain vigilant to ensure consumers do not face any hardship.

To ensure seamless monitoring, District Collectors have been instructed to submit daily reports on the supply situation in their respective regions, he said.

Amid global concerns, the minister urged the people of Odisha to remain alert but calm despite the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

He issued a stern warning against black marketing and hoarding, noting that departmental officers have been deployed to conduct raids. He further instructed that strict legal action be taken immediately upon receiving any reports of such illegal activities.

Principal Secretary Singh added that the department is maintaining comprehensive data on the daily requirement and availability of fuel. In this regard, the Collectors of each district will provide daily reports.

Marketing officers have been specifically tasked with monitoring sensitive government institutions, such as SCB Medical College in Cuttack, as well as various educational centres. He reaffirmed that the state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that domestic consumers face no disruptions in their daily lives.