Odisha’s Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, chaired a high-level meeting convened today at the Annapurna Conference Hall in Lokseva Bhavan.
The meeting focused on reviewing the availability and supply chain of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), petrol, and diesel throughout the state. Attendees included Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Department; K. Sudarshan Chakraborty, Managing Director of the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation; senior officials from the department; and representatives from major oil and fuel marketing companies, including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, Reliance, and GAIL.
During the session, Minister Patra 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 situation. The Minister conducted a thorough review of the distribution process to LPG distributors and retail outlets, directing officials to remain vigilant to ensure consumers do not face any hardships. To facilitate seamless monitoring, District Collectors have been instructed to submit daily reports on the supply situation in their respective areas.
In light of 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, emphasising 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 Sanjay Kumar Singh added that the department is maintaining comprehensive data on the daily requirements and availability of fuel. As part of this effort, the Collectors of each district will provide daily updates. Marketing officers have been specifically tasked with monitoring sensitive government institutions, such as SCB Medical College in Cuttack, as well as various educational centers. He reassured that the State Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that domestic consumers face no disruptions in their daily lives.
