Govt assures no shortage of cooking gas & fuel

Bhubaneswar: The state govt on Thursday assured people that there is no shortage of cooking gas or fuel in the state and urged citizens not to panic amid concerns over supply disruptions. The assurance came following a high-level meeting chaired by food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra to review the availability and supply chain of LPG, petrol and diesel across Odisha.“Odisha currently has adequate stock of cooking gas and fuel,” Patra said, while asking people not to give in to panic buying. Patra reviewed the supply and distribution process of LPG distributors and retail fuel outlets and directed officials concerned to ensure that consumers do not face any inconvenience. He directed district collectors to submit daily reports on the availability and supply of LPG and fuel in their respective areas. Referring to the situation in West Asia, Patra urged people to remain calm but alert. “Strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders or fuel. Departmental officers have been deployed to conduct raids and take immediate legal action against violators,” he said.Principal secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh said the department is maintaining detailed data on the daily requirement and availability of fuel in the state. District collectors were tasked with monitoring supply closely, while marketing officers were directed to keep a watch on sensitive institutions, including SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and major educational institutions. He reaffirmed that the state govt is taking all necessary steps to ensure that domestic consumers face no disruptions in their daily lives.