Bhubaneswar, May 16: The fuel supply situation in the state is expected to return to normal by Monday evening, informed Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association secretary Sanjay Lath. To improve the situation, oil depots will remain operational on Sunday as well. He said conditions are likely to improve by Sunday evening itself.

A high-level meeting was held regarding the fuel shortage in the state, where discussions were held on petrol and diesel supply. IOC CGM Kamal Sil stated that Odisha has adequate stock of petrol and diesel. However, excessive sales over the last two days had created temporary supply issues. Necessary arrangements have now been made to resolve the problem.

He further said steps will be taken to ensure adequate stock at all locations in the future. People have been requested not to panic or stand in long queues. If one fuel station has a waiting time of one to two hours, consumers have been advised to visit nearby pumps instead. Fuel stations are operating from 6 AM till late night.

There are around 2,800 fuel stations in Odisha, of which nearly 80 were already closed earlier due to various reasons. Efforts are underway to immediately supply fuel to pumps facing shortages. Kamal Sil said the situation is improving compared to previous days and there is no major issue at present. A special task force has also been deployed to monitor the situation. He added that the situation is much better now than it was on Friday.

Similarly, Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association secretary Sanjay Lath said panic buying and an unexpected surge in sales had disrupted fuel supply, leading people to believe that fuel stocks had run out. He said the required quantity of fuel could not be supplied on time. Requests have been made to keep oil depots operational on Sunday as well.

He assured that the situation would return to normal by Monday or show significant improvement by Sunday evening. The dealers’ association and oil companies have also instructed dealers not to encourage any kind of black marketing.