Dharmendra Pradhan reviews petroleum reserve project

Bhubaneswar: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday reviewed the progress of strategic petroleum reserve project at Chandikhole in Jajpur district during a meeting with Atul Gupta, deputy CEO of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd, in New Delhi.

The development holds significance amid the ongoing tension in West Asia. The Chandikhole facility, with a storage capacity of 4 million metric tonnes, is one of the critical projects aimed at protecting the country against global oil supply shocks triggered by geopolitical crises.

“The recent global instability has once again reaffirmed the importance of strategic reserves. This project in Chandikhole, Odisha, will not only strengthen India’s energy security but also open up major development and employment opportunities for the state,” Pradhan said.

The project, approved by the union cabinet on June 27, 2018, is coming up at an estimated cost of around Rs 8,743 crore and is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs, directly and indirectly.

State food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra, meanwhile, reviewed the availability of cooking gas and auto fuels in the state. “There is no shortage situation and no likelihood of a fuel price hike in the near future,” Patra said following a meeting with oil marketing companies. Patra said people should not fall for rumours circulating on social media. “Domestic LPG supplies are normal and deliveries are being made within stipulated timelines. Around 80% of demand in commercial segments is also being met,” he said. TNN



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