Bhubaneswar, May 18: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg conducted a review of the state’s petrol, diesel, and cooking gas (LPG) availability today. The review was held alongside a meeting of the State Crisis Management Group at Lokseva Bhavan.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary of the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, who confirmed that despite recent challenges, the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG across the state remains normal.
Officials from Indian Oil Corporation Limited and other oil marketing companies provided updates on current petrol and diesel stock levels. Petrol pumps are operating smoothly, and in instances where fuel had temporarily run out, oil companies took coordinated corrective measures to restore supply.
Priority continues to be given to domestic LPG distribution, with deliveries reaching urban areas within 21–25 days and rural areas within 45 days. Efforts to expand district-level PNG (piped natural gas) coverage are ongoing, and government and commercial establishments have been encouraged to switch from LPG to PNG wherever possible.
City gas distribution networks are also being expanded. To support vulnerable populations, 38,681 5-kg special free-trade LPG cylinders have been distributed to migrant workers and students after verification of their identity documents.
Authorities have acted against illegal stockpiling and black marketing. So far, 7,662 cylinders seized in such cases have been returned to oil companies for proper distribution. Legal action has been initiated against 36 individuals, with 8 arrests made.
Chief Secretary Garg stressed the importance of maintaining a steady supply of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas. She directed strict action against illegal hoarders while ensuring that emergency services such as ambulances and police vehicles continue to have adequate fuel reserves.
Following the meeting, the Chief Secretary appealed to the public through media channels to avoid unnecessary crowding and overstocking. She reassured citizens that current supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG are sufficient and advised people to continue refueling as usual. Coordination with District Collectors is ongoing, and the Supply Department is actively monitoring availability. Oil marketing companies have been instructed to maintain close oversight, and District Collectors are addressing irregularities immediately.
In light of the crisis in West Asia, the state continues to closely monitor petrol and diesel stocks, pipelines, and refinery operations to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The meeting was attended by secretaries of various departments and officials from oil marketing companies, all members of the State Crisis Management Group.
