A high-level meeting of the State Crisis Management Group was held on Friday evening at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across Odisha in view of the prevailing global geo-political situation.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh briefed the meeting on the continuous and smooth supply of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas (LPG) in the state. Agriculture Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Sachin Ramchandra Yadav presented details on urea fertiliser stocks and management in preparation for the upcoming Kharif season.
Officials informed the meeting that, despite external challenges, the overall supply of fuel and domestic LPG remains normal in the state. Oil refineries are operating at maximum capacity as per the Government of India directives to produce petrol and diesel from available crude oil. Domestic LPG supply has been given top priority.
Key highlights from the meeting:
- Delivery Authorization Code (DAC) system has been implemented to ensure transparency and accuracy in LPG distribution.
- Priority supply of LPG is being maintained to essential institutions such as schools, hospitals, hostels, anganwadi centres, aahar centres, and jails.
- A phased transition to **Piped Natural Gas (PNG)** is being targeted for these essential sectors.
- Commercial LPG allocation to hotels, restaurants, and dhabas has been increased. Regular coordination is underway with oil marketing companies and restaurant associations for smooth supply.
- Additional commercial LPG is being provided to steel and automobile sectors.
- As an alternative, emphasis is being laid on promoting PNG in domestic and commercial sectors and CNG in transportation. The number of PNG connections and users is rising rapidly.
- Guidelines have been issued to encourage government and commercial establishments to switch from commercial LPG to PNG.
- City Gas Distribution (CGD) network expansion is being expedited. District-wise efforts are on to increase PNG infrastructure and reconnect disconnected consumers.
- 5 kg LPG cylinders are being supplied to migrant workers and students based on identity proof.
Strict action is being taken against illegal hoarding, diversion, and black-marketing of gas cylinders. Statewide checks and raids have been intensified. Illegal cylinders are being seized, and cases are being registered under the Essential Commodities Act against violators, with arrests where necessary.
Control rooms are functioning 24×7 at the state and district levels. The Crisis Management Groups at the state and district levels are continuously monitoring the situation and taking proactive steps. Police assistance has been ensured for the safe transportation of LPG to designated locations.
The Agriculture Department reported that urea availability remains normal, with daily monitoring in place.
Chief Secy Garg directed that priority should be given to essential needs in cooking gas supply and to accelerate the PNG connection network. She instructed nodal officers and the Supplies Department to take immediate action wherever issues arise. She appealed to the public to cooperate and avoid panic, emphasising collective efforts to maintain normalcy.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-ACS Deoranjan Kumar Singh, ACS Home, Industry, Information & Public Relations Hemant Sharma, ACS Housing & Urban Development Usha Padhee, secretaries of various departments, including Commerce & Transport, Higher Education, Health & Family Welfare, Tourism, and senior officials from oil marketing companies.
