BHUBANESWAR: With concerns over LPG shortage leading to panic among consumers and long queues witnessed at cooking gas distribution points in several parts of the state, the government on Tuesday allayed the fears, assuring people that authorities were working to maintain adequate supplies.
Chief secretary Anu Garg held a high-level meeting with oil marketing companies (OMCs) at Lok Seva Bhawan to assess the availability of LPG, petrol and diesel in the state. The discussions revealed that there is adequate stock of LPG in the state and the supply chains remain normal.
After the review, the chief secretary said, “Officials of the oil companies informed that there is no problem in supply of LPG to households as well as educational institutions and hospitals.”
Representatives of the oil companies explained that LPG supply from refineries and depots to distributors was continuing smoothly and there was no disruption in the system.
The chief secretary directed the OMCs to furnish daily report on the availability of cooking gas and fuel (petrol and diesel) to the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department from Wednesday onward.
She also instructed the department to intensify enforcement measures across the state for preventing diversion and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
The department and oil companies were asked to actively disseminate information about the availability of fuel to prevent unnecessary panic among the public.
Officials clarified that the rush at distribution points was triggered mainly by panic among consumers following rumours of a shortage. Large number of people were seen gathering outside LPG distribution points with empty cylinders seeking immediate refills. Officials pointed out that such walk-in refilling practices have long been discontinued and that consumers must book refills through the online booking system, which takes some time for delivery.
A functionary of the Odisha LPG Distributors Association, however, noted that the central government has imposed restrictions on LPG supply to certain industrial and commercial consumers, which will impact certain sectors.
The meeting was attended by principal secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department Sanjay Kumar Singh and officials from the major oil marketing companies.