In a major relief for migrant workers, students and daily-wage earners, the Odisha government has announced that 5kg LPG cylinders will now be sold at all petrol pumps and authorised dealers across the state.
Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made the announcement during a press conference at his official residence on Wednesday. He said the move is being implemented under the Central government’s Free Trade LPG scheme, which will ensure large-scale availability of the smaller cylinders in urban and semi-urban areas.
The minister said the three public sector oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) — will supply the cylinders in large quantities, especially targeting migrant workers in urban and semi-urban areas.
Customers need only show an identity proof to purchase. The price of a new 5 kg cylinder has been fixed at Rs 1,537, while refilling will cost Rs 593. Refilling will be allowed only in cylinders supplied by these three companies; cylinders from other brands available in the open market will not be accepted.
There is no daily purchase limit, and cylinders can be bought from any petrol pump or authorised dealer outlet. The government has also begun organising special camps at locations including Bhubaneswar railway station, colleges, industrial areas and other convenient spots. Labour card holders and students with valid ID cards can easily avail the facility.
The minister warned that any dealer found indulging in black marketing will face strict action, including cancellation of the licence. He informed that so far 3,435 domestic cylinders have been seized, 323 cases registered under the Essential Commodities Act, 323 FIRs filed and five persons arrested following raids at 702 gas agencies and 1,213 other locations across 30 districts.
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IOCL Chief General Manager Kamal Sheel, who was present at the briefing, assured that there is no shortage of LPG in the state or the country. Home delivery continues normally, with cylinders reaching consumers within 5–6 days of booking. He requested customers to book digitally and not share OTP before delivery. Domestic supply remains the top priority, with 100 per cent allocation to medical institutions, colleges and anganwadis, 70 per cent to commercial users and 20 per cent to hotels and restaurants. Petrol and diesel stocks are also adequate, he added.
