A high-level meeting of the State Crisis Management Group was held today under the chairmanship of Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan to review the availability and supply of cooking gas (LPG), petrol, and diesel in the state, while assessing preparedness for any emerging challenges.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to maintain continuous monitoring and regular review of the fuel and LPG situation. Detailed discussions focused on the current stock and supply chain of essential fuels, with emphasis on coordinated steps in line with central government directives amid the prevailing scenario.
The meeting highlighted the need to increase the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to reduce dependence on LPG, particularly in commercial sectors. It was noted that the supply rate of commercial LPG to hotels and restaurants has risen significantly. Officials urged hotels and commercial establishments to adopt PNG on a large scale. Those facilities equipped with both PNG and LPG infrastructure were advised to switch fully to PNG.
Representatives from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department assured that there is no shortage in the supply of LPG for domestic consumers. However, concerns over irregular supply and black marketing were raised, and departments were directed to take strict enforcement measures against such practices.
Discussions also covered priority fuel supply to key sectors, including MSMEs and other essential institutions. To reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, the meeting stressed accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and rapid development of supporting infrastructure in the state.
The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of ongoing vigilance and periodic reviews of the situation. The potential impact on the hotel and tourism industry was also examined. To address public concerns and prevent panic, timely dissemination of accurate information was prioritized.
The Director General of Police advised on deploying necessary police forces for security at sensitive points. The Chief Secretary directed that the State-level Crisis Management Group meeting be convened every 2-3 days as required, while regular district-level meetings should also be held to monitor the ground situation closely.
