In a high-level meeting held today at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed and monitored the potential impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on Odisha’s economy and directed concerned departments to prepare robust contingency plans.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-ACS Deoranjan Kumar Singh, ACS Home, Industries & I&PR Hemant Sharma, DGP YB Khurania, Principal Secy Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary MSME Rashmita Panda, and senior officials from the Directorate of Export Promotion & Marketing, Odisha Small Industries Corporation, World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar, along with domain experts.
Participants discussed the macroeconomic fallout of the conflict, including rising crude oil prices, supply chain disruptions, higher freight and insurance costs, and possible currency depreciation. These factors could trigger inflation, widen the current account deficit, and slow overall economic growth, with particular implications for Odisha.
Officials noted that a significant share of the state’s exports — especially marine products, agricultural produce, processed minerals, chemicals, and allied items — is directed toward West Asian markets. The fisheries sector has already experienced declining demand, while industries face risks of raw material shortages and escalating production costs. Agriculture and allied sectors are likely to be affected by higher energy and fertiliser prices.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for strict implementation of central government measures aimed at ensuring energy security, stabilising supply chains, and supporting exporters. Departments and enforcement agencies were directed to maintain strict discipline in the supply of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, and LPG, while taking confidence-building measures to prevent panic among consumers.
CS Garg emphasised continuous monitoring of the evolving situation and called for timely policy interventions. She directed officials to explore alternative markets and supply routes to reduce risks. Key long-term suggestions included accelerating the rollout of PNG distribution systems, establishing additional LNG terminals at state ports, and ramping up coal production to lower dependence on LPG and petroleum products.
The Agriculture Department was asked to assess district-wise stocks of Urea and NPK fertilisers, seek additional allocations from the Centre if needed, and promote organic and bio-fertilisers as substitutes.
The DGP assured that law and order would be maintained around LPG dealerships and petrol pumps. The meeting also decided in principle to promote electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative mode of transport and to expand the EV charging infrastructure network across the state.
The Chief Secretary asked all departments to closely track sectoral developments and remain prepared for swift action as the situation unfolds.
